Design & Technology - Product Design
This course is an introduction to the world of product design – an industry which increasingly has a greater impact upon our daily lives. From the electronic devices with which we interface to the vehicles that transport us, the buildings that protect us and the systems and products that make our lives safer, healthier and happier – both now and in the future.
The course aims to stimulate students’ creativity through innovation, problem-solving, design, development and realisation. Subject knowledge is not therefore acquired for its own sake, but to aid the process of finding tangible solutions to problems which arise in everyday life in an industrial and commercial context. We simply ask the questions: What should we do? Why should we do it? How should we do it?
We have an outstanding team of staff delivering the course who, through their own specialisms and experiences, bring the correct balance of skill and technological know-how within an inclusive and supportive environment.
As a school we are technology-rich and have an abundance of CAD (Solidworks; Corel Draw; Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop; Boxford Design Tools) and CAM (3D-Printer; CNC lathe; miller; laser-cutter; plotter-cutter) at our disposal. To enhance this we have strong industry and university links which give us access to Waterjet and Abrasivejet cutting as well as CNC routing.
To get started
You will need a grade 4 or above in GCSE and also need to show commitment in meeting frequent deadlines to produce an extensive design portfolio and be willing to work beyond the four hours of lesson-time in order to fully access the facilities at your disposal.
Exams and Assessment Information
AQA
Paper 1 – 30% of A Level
Technical Principles
Written exam: 2.5 hours – 120 marks
Paper 2 – 20% of A Level
Designing and Making Principles
Written exam: 1.5 hours – 80 marks
Non-exam assessment (NEA) – 50% of A Level
Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge. Substantial design and make task.
45 hours – 100 marks
What Next?
There is no better time to think about a career in the field of design, and it has always been the British who lead the field in numerous areas. Designers such as Sir Jonathan Ive (Apple), James Dyson (product design), Norman Foster (architecture), Richard Seymour & Dick Powell (product design) and Ian Callum (automotive) to name but a few. This A Level course will set the foundations for further study at university.
