Design and Technology: Product Design (GCE A Level)

Why study Product Design?

A brand new course for September 2017, this specification replaces Design & Technology: Resistant Materials, and Design & Technology: Graphic Products. This is a linear 2 year course developed in partnership with local Universities to ensure students have the skillset required to move onto degree courses in design, manufacturing, construction and engineering.

What skills and knowledge will you develop during the course?

During Year 12 you will complete a series of short tasks and projects to enhance your product making skills, develop your knowledge of construction skills and finishing techniques. You will work in a wide range of materials including wood, metals, plastics and card, incorporating these materials into your own creative products. CAD and CAM processes will also be used throughout the course. These projects will form part of a portfolio which will be beneficial when applying for higher education or work in the design industry.

There will also be regular theory lessons to prepare you for the final examinations at the end of the course. Core technical principles will be explored including how a range of products are developed and produced in quantity in industry, the functional properties of a wide range of materials, and modern developments in product design including smart and technical materials. Iconic designs will be explored including the work of prominent and influential designers including Phillipe Starck, Memphis and Charles and Ray Eames.

Year 13 will focus on the three assessment units required to gain your final qualification.

Paper 1- Technical Principles (30% 120 marks) Written paper exploring the properties of different materials and manufacturing processes.

Paper 2- Designing and Making Principles (20% 80 marks) Written paper exploring the form and function of iconic products, product analysis and commercial manufacture.

Non-Examination Assessment (NEA 50%) A 45 hour project answering the design brief of your choice. Independently develop your own design brief exploring sustainable design, designing for specific client needs or the work of past and present designers. This unit includes a portfolio of research, design development and evaluation which culminate in the manufacture of a well made product.

Year 13 will focus on the three assessment units required to gain your final qualification.

Paper 1- Technical Principles (30% 120 marks) Written paper exploring the properties of different materials and manufacturing processes.

Paper 2- Designing and Making Principles (20% 80 marks) Written paper exploring the form and function of iconic products, product analysis and commercial manufacture.

Non-Examination Assessment (NEA 50%) A 45 hour project answering the design brief of your choice. Independently develop your own design brief exploring sustainable design, designing for specific client needs or the work of past and present designers. This unit includes a portfolio of research, design development and evaluation which culminate in the manufacture of a well made product.