Product Design
Why study A-level Product Design?
This subject provides an interesting, challenging and stimulating area for study in the Sixth Form. The knowledge, understanding and skills gained are likely to be of great benefit to students pursuing further studies and to the world of work. The course encourages candidates to take a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacturing and marketing. The course might well complement the study of mathematics and sciences or provide a contrast to the study of arts, languages and social sciences.
- Qualification
- A-level
- Course length
- Two years
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Two exams + design task
Course introduction
- Course Title
GCE Design &Technology: Product Design (3-D design)
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in D&T and Grade 5 in maths
Course content
Much of the subject content is covered through project work, reinforced by industrial visits and online support material. The emphasis will be on the solution of design and technology based problems using appropriate communication, practical and design skills. Opportunities will be provided for students to develop their personal interest and abilities, particularly when choosing their project for Unit 4. Past examples include:
- bike maintenance unit
- music stand
- aids for the elderly and disabled
- rugby training apparatus
What you will study
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out below. These have been separated into:
Core technical principles: Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications. They must also be able to explain in detail why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications with reference to:
- physical and mechanical properties
- product function
- aesthetics
- cost
- manufacture and disposal
- practical methods for investigating and testing material properties to assess their suitability for a range of uses
- Testing and comparing mechanical material properties
Core designing and making principles
- Product development and improvement
- Inclusive design
- Ergonomics and anthropometrics
- Meeting design criteria
- Functionality
- Aesthetics
- Fitness for purpose
- Target market user
- Accurate and efficient manufacture
- Design illustration and communication
- Design methods and practices
- Critical analysis and evaluation
- Selecting appropriate tools, techniques and processes
- Accuracy in design and manufacture
- Responsible design
Additional specialist knowledge
Performance characteristics of materials,
- Woods and wood based materials
- Polymers
- Metals
- Composite materials
- Modern and smart materials
- Adhesives
Assessment
A-level – 2 Year Course
Paper 1 (2 hours 30 minutes , 30% of A-level)
Mixture of short answer and extended response.
Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes, 20% of A-level)
Questions:
Non-exam assessment (45hrs, 50% A-level)
Practical application of technical principles, design and making principles and specialist knowledge
Substantial design and make task
45 hours (100 marks, 50% of A-level)
Evidence
Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.
Future pathways
Many career related opportunities are available including product design, industrial design, mechanics, graphic design, interior design, architecture, engineering and illustration. We are very proud to say that a large proportion of our students continue into higher education to study product design or related degree courses.
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.
Mrs K Regan: kregan@wilmslowhigh.com