Design Technology - A Level

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Course Content YEAR 12 Students will complete a range of focused practical tasks and extended learning projects that will help students develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to maximize their success in Year 13.Students start the year by completing a furniture project based on the Allermuir furniture company. This project will challenge students to design and model a range of products, whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of natural timber and man-made boards.Students will then complete a number of smaller mini projects that will develop their practical skills and ability whilst broadening their subject knowledge of materials and industrial manufacturing techniques.Following this students will complete a lighting project that will solve a specific design problem in response to the design brief. This project will allow students to investigate and develop a lighting product for any application. YEAR 13
Iterative Design Project Students design and develop a marketable product of their choice in response to a specific design problem. Students are free to specialise in specific areas (i.e. Engineering, Graphics and Resistant Materials). Previous projects have included a wind tunnel, wakeboarding training aid and a dental sanitising machine. Students complete an E-Portfolio design folder.Candidates submit evidence of a single, substantial designing and making activity, from one of the focus areas identified above.Product Design ExaminationThis is a written paper that consists of two components; Principles of Product Design and Problem Solving in Product Design.Students will answer questions that cover the technical principles covered during the course.

Assessment Iterative Design Project
100 marks – 65hrs
Non-exam assessment.
(50% of total A level) Principles of Product Design Written Examination – 1½ hrs 80 marks (26.7% of total A level)
Problem Solving in Product Design
Written Examination – 1¾ hrs 70 marks (23.3% of total A level)

Minimum requirements for admission to the Sixth Form:

• A grade 5 in Mathematics .
• A grade 5 in English Language or English Literature .
• Achieving at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 6 or above.

Subject specific requirement

• Grade 6 in Design Technology

Career Opportunities Product Designer Engineering Architecture Graphic Design Manufacturing Advertising/ Marketing
Planning Civil & Structural Design Engineer
Together with any design-related career or computer aided design course.