Product Design

AQA

Grade 4 in GCSE Design and Technology, or related subjects.

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all A-level Design and Technology: Product Design specifications and all exam boards. The exams and non-exam assessment will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives. • AO1: Identify, investigate, and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants. • AO2: Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose. • AO3: Analyse and evaluate: • design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others • wider issues in design and technology. • AO4: Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of: • technical principles • designing and making principles.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a range of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing prototypes of your choice. You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills looked for by higher education and employers. You will develop multi-disciplinary skills which will promote your critical thinking, creativity, and innovation and prepare you to navigate the ever-changing world of work.

The A Level course is structured as follows:

50% theory: This is taught throughout year 12/13 and covers all material areas, manufacturing processes and principles through a mixture of practical and theory lessons.

It is assessed across two exams

o Technical Principles – 2 ½ hours paper, 30% of overall mark.

Design Principles – 1 ½ hour paper, 20% of overall mark.

50% Non-examined Assessment:

The Non-examined Assessment Project commences immediately after the May half term and carries on through to Easter of year 13. It is in the form of a “design and make” project, where you will need to develop a prototype product that meets a design brief for a context of your own choosing, working with a client of your choice.

You will develop a full portfolio of work that can be used for university interviews. Many of our students go on to study Product Design or related design and make based qualifications in London, Cumbria, Newcastle, Dundee, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow to name a few.  Courses include Architecture, Product Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Interior Architecture and Design, Computer Aided Design, Graphics,

The design process is the key to success on this course. You will be taught how to;

• Apply knowledge and understanding of a range of designers and design movements.
• Apply skills, techniques and understanding.
• Conduct analysis, synthesis and evaluation

We will encourage you to develop research skills and practical ability, through a series of mini-Design and make projects throughout year 12. This will pave the way for a Final NEA Design and Make project. We will encourage you to read around our subject as this is key to understanding principals and developing depth of understanding.

You will also be encouraged to work closely with a client to bring your Design and make project to life.