Design and Technology
Lead: Mrs N Kerai
Email: nkerai1.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.
Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice.
Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. The course allows learning to be taken out of the classroom and into the manufacturing industry to experience Design and Technology in manufacturing and producing products for consumers.
“Studying Design Technology at A Level allows me to explore my creativity in a way I feel most subjects may restrict. The process of learning about materials and processes allows me to understand how the products we use on a daily basis are made.” - Student
Exam Board: AQA
Course Specification: 7552
Qualification obtained: AQA Advanced Level GCE in Design and Technology: Product Design
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
Grade 6 in Mathematics, and either Grade 6 in any D&T subject or Distinction Level 2 in Vocational Engineering
What you will study
Year 12
Topics covered:
- Understanding materials and their applications.
- Testing materials, critical analysis of environmental impact of using materials.
- Develop understanding of the performance characteristics of materials.
- Design theory, methods, and processes.
- Technology and cultural changes.
- Design processes in school and in the manufacturing sector.
- Modern and industrial commercial practice.
- Digital design and manufacture.
- Product development and evolution.
- iterative design in commercial contexts.
Year 13
Topics covered:
- National and international standards in product design.
- Forming, redistribution and addition processes of timer and metal.
- Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and disposal.
- Identifying and investigating design possibilities.
- Developing design ideas and realising design ideas.
- Analysing and evaluating current design trends.
- Iterative design process as the final project for this A level.
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
50% Exam
50% Coursework
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| 01 | Technical Principles | Written exam: 120 marks, 2 hours, and 30 minutes | 30% |
| 02 | Designing and making principles | Written exam: 80 marks, 1 hours, and 30 minutes | 20% |
| 03 | Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles | Non-Exam assessment: Substantial design and make project and portfolio, 100 marks | 50% |
Progression routes
All fields of design, including product, 3D, interior, fashion, textiles, footwear, exhibition, jewellery, furniture.
All fields of engineering including civil, mechanical, automotive, aeronautical, marine, environmental, design engineering.
TV/film sectors including set design, model making and special effects.
Advertising and communications industry, including digital marketing.
Architecture and the built environment, town planning.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
- A3 Portfolio
- Students may bring their own laptops
Useful Reading Material:
AQA AS/A Level Design and Technology (Product Design), Hodder Education ISBN: 978-5104-1408-2
Useful Websites:
http://www.dthub.net/index.html
http://www.olejarz.com/arted/perspect ive/
http://www.technologystudent.com
http://www.bsi- global.com/Education/StudentsKS3+4/index.xalter
Enrichment:
Trips to relevant exhibitions and design forums. Students will be encouraged to visit the Design Museum and other exhibitions as relevant.