DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN
AS/A LEVEL
What do I need to know before taking this course?
It is desirable to have a good pass at GCSE in one of the Design Technology subjects and you should have a good broad academic background. Students who have not studied Design and Technology at GCSE will have their application considered on merit. If you have not taken a Design Technology subject at GCSE then you should be able to show previous use of your creative talents, perhaps through an art portfolio, as well as having good grades in Mathematics and Science.
You should have strong interest in designing, modelling, making and evaluating products and an interest in the processes and products of design and technological activity.
The course allows students to pursue a Resistant Materials option or a Graphic Products option dependent upon their previous experience.
What will I learn on this A Level Course?
This course will enable you to:
develop innovation, creativity and Design and Technology capability in the production of high quality products;
develop a critical understanding of the influences of design and technological activity in the past and in current practice;
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apply essential knowledge, skills and design production processes to a range of technological activities and develop an understanding of industrial practices;
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use Information and Communications Technology to enhance designing and technological capability;
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develop an understanding of the social, moral, spiritual and cultural values that affect designing;
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develop critical evaluation skills in technical, aesthetic, environmental, social and cultural contexts;
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develop discerning consumer awareness;
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develop positive attitudes of co-operation and working collaboratively.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This course will appeal to students who:
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have an interest in designing and making products;
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have an interest in the work of designers and the influence they have on individuals and cultures;
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enjoy expressing their opinions on design issues;
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enjoy studying a subject that is central to the man-made world in which we all live;
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have an interest in entering a career or higher education course in any field of design;
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are well organised and self-motivated with a willingness to experiment, research and inquire.
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?
Unit 1: AS Portfolio of Creative Skills – 60% Internally assessed and Externally moderated
Students will produce a portfolio with three distinct sections as follows:
Product investigation
In this section, students will analyse an existing commercial product using their knowledge and understanding of designing and making. Students work may be presented using any appropriate media, such as written evidence, sketching, photographs, cut and paste and ICT.
Product design
In this section, students can respond creatively and adventurously to one or more design briefs or needs, to produce solutions which are both fit-for-purpose and market viable. Students are to demonstrate their creativity and flair using their design skills through the production of a range of alternative ideas that explore different approaches to the problem. Students will develop and refine their ideas, with the aid of modelling, into a final workable design but the product will not be taken to the manufacturing stage. Instead Students must sell their ideas by the use of presentation graphics or concept boards. Product manufacture. In this section, students will use their production planning skills and have the opportunity to develop their making skills through manufacturing one or more high quality product(s) to satisfy a given design brief. Students will use a range of materials, techniques and processes to manufacture a range of products
Unit 2: AS Examination paper: Design and Technology in Practice – 1½ hours – 40% - Externally assessed
In this unit, students will develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of design and technology.
The paper will be a question and answer booklet and all questions in the paper are
compulsory. The paper will consists of short answer and extended writing type questions.
A2 Unit 3: A2 Examination paper: Designing for the Future – 2 hours - 40% - Externally assessed
In this unit, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. Students develop a good working knowledge of the use of ICT and systems and control technology in the design and manufacture of products. Students will be aware of the important contributions of designers from the past which may provide inspiration for future design.
The paper will be a question and answer booklet and all questions in the paper are compulsory. The paper will consists of short answer and extended writing type questions.
Assessment for Unit 4: Commercial Design
A2 Coursework Project - 60% Internally assessed and Externally moderated
Unit 4 is the ‘design and make’ activity. Students identify their own assignment by targeting a client / user group from which they must design and make an innovative product that meets the original need
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Students will liaise with their client / user group in order to develop a commercial product
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Students should be familiar with a range of industrial applications and commercial working practices
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This unit results in the development of an appropriate product supported by a design folder. The folder, which should include ICT generated images where appropriate, must be submitted on A3 paper only and is likely to be between 26 and 30 pages long
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This unit is internally marked using the generic coursework assessment criteria and externally moderated by Edexcel
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Students should be reminded that Product/Industrial design is the main focus of this A level for Students pursuing the Resistant Materials option, while Graphic Design and Product modelling is the main focus of the Graphics with Materials Technology strand. Students with a Design Technology qualification have very wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. By gaining specific skills and knowledge relating to materials, processes and systems you will be well situated to enter a range of industrial and design courses and businesses.
The variety of elements in the course ensures a good grounding in any field from graphic design to the electrical or mechanical engineering industry. Your study of aesthetics and social conditioning will be beneficial to any art-based course or career. Of equal importance will be your enhanced critical and imaginative thinking and your receptiveness to new ideas. These are desirable attributes in any field of higher learning and position of responsibility.