Design and Technology: Product Design
Examination Board: AQA Qualification: A level Teacher Contact: Miss Fielding and Miss McMorrow
Entry Requirements: Students must have at least a grade 6 at GCSE Product Design.
Aims of the course The course encourages students to;
Am I suited to this course? A level Product Design is an interesting, dynamic course that allows you to choose your own path of study. The course builds upon your experience of GCSE and allows you to further your studies by experiencing Product Design from a more mature perspective, much as you would if you chose to study the subject at degree level. Undertaking A level Product Design is a commitment from students to meet all deadlines. To this end, students will be expected to do a significant amount of coursework outside of lessons. In addition to working outside of lessons, students will need to be well organised and plan their time effectively, ensuring that workshop time is factored into their schedule. What other subjects does it complement? Students develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas to inform their decisions in design and the application or development of technology. There are clear links between aspects of the specification content and other subject areas such as Computer Science, Business Studies and Art and Design. Where can it lead? This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
— be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise whilst considering their role as responsible designers and citizens — develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems and their impact on daily life and the wider world — work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners — gain insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries — develop knowledge and experience of real-world contexts for design and technological activity — develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use — be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype/product — be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including maths and science to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology. What will I study, and how will I be assessed? Paper 1 Technical principles Written exam; 2 hours and 30 minutes, 120 marks, 30% of A level. Paper 2 Designing and making principles Product analysis and commercial manufacture. Written exam; 1 hour and 30 minutes, 80 marks 20% of A level. Non-exam assessement (NEA) Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles. 100 marks, 50% of A level. Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype. All students will learn a variety of CAD techniques to present their designs in the best possible format.
Oldfield Sixth Form Prospectus 2025
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