DESIGN AND  TECHNOLOGY – PRODUCT DESIGN

QUALIFICATION:

A level

OVERVIEW:

This course provides an exciting opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications required for a career in design. The world we live in is surrounded by design in many different forms. It may be the products we use or the buildings we live in. It could be the cars we drive or the clothes we wear.

We aim to teach you the practical skills and technical knowledge to help you recognise the areas of design that are most suited to you. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of design and technology.

You will also learn about industrial and commercial practices, and the importance of quality checks and the health and safety issues that always must be considered. Furthermore, you are expected to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding in design and practical areas. This will be realised through a coursework unit where a substantial design and make exercise must be developed through a portfolio and final practical outcome.

EQUIPMENT:

A3 Sketchbook, A3 Portfolio Folder, Pencil case with drawing equipment: drawing triangles, compass, set of pencils, ruler (30cm preferred, eraser), Fineliners (0.1/3 and 0.5, a couple of each would be best) These items can be acquired through school and financial assistance could be available via the bursary.

SKILLS:

A course of this nature demands commitment, consistency of effort, maturity and self-discipline but if you have a creative mind and practical skills that you want to develop then this course is right for you.

ASSESSMENT:

PAPER 1 – Technical Principles – Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes – 30% of A level – Mixture of short answer and extended response

PAPER 2 – Designing and Making Principles – Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 20% of A level – Mixture of short answer and extended response questions

NON EXAMINED ASSESSMENT (NEA) COURSEWORK: Substantial design and make project – 50% of A level – Evidence of written / digital design portfolio including photographic evidence of final prototype

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

The beauty of any design-based course is the wide variety of skills and techniques you will develop that are desirable at university. There is also a large variety of courses available specifically relatable to design such as the list below.

Product Design, Fashion Design, Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Interior Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Film and Media, Prop Making and Stage Design, Advertising, Graphic Design/Concept Designer and many more!

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“I really enjoyed my Product Design A level because I was constantly presented with new challenges and opportunities to explore different elements of design. This helped me because I developed the ability to look at different situations from different perspectives until I found a solution that worked best.”