A Level Product Design

Kings Ely sixth form

Academic

A Level Product Design

Students apply knowledge from mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in desgn.

 

The development of a critical mind through enquiry and problem solving, exploration, creation and evaluation of iterative designs are key skills developed in the course.

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject.  

Students independently undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project that fully exemplifies their skills, knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology, encouraging them to be curious and resilient designers.

The subject combines creativity, imagination, curiosity, giving an insight into the way that creative, engineering and manufacturing industries function.

The design element makes use of the principles of iterative design to explore, create and evaluate design ideas. 

Prerequisite

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE 3D Design or Engineering, a minimum grade 6 in GCSE Maths as 40% of the course has mathematical content and a minimum grade 5 in GCSE English as 50% of the A Level are written answers and coursework is a major part of the course.
Topic Overview

 

During the two year course students will study a wide range of topics and will enable students to:

  • Apply iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.
  • Acquire subject knowledge in Design and Technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.
  • Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world.
  • Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners.
  • Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of clients/end users.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.
  • Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype.
  • Be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes.
  • Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors.
  • Apply knowledge from mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in design.

This content reflects the importance of Design and Technology as a pivotal STEM subject. 15% of the exam assessment will include the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge.

Homework and Independent Study

The recommended time you should spend on your homework is around 6 hours per week.

Much of this time will be taken up with the production of your design portfolio, but there will be written assignments as well.

The facilities of the Department can be used outside normal timetabled lessons and you will be encouraged to spend some of your study time in the Department.
Assessment

 

Principles of Design and Technology
  • 2 hour 30 minutes written exam
  • 50%
Independent Design and Make Project
  • Non-Examined assessment consisting of a substantial design, make and evaluate project consisting of a portfolio  and working product
  • 50%

Product Design A Level Exam Specification
Meet the head of design & technology 

Patrick Carberry

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EMAIL PATRICK CARBERRY

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