2 minute read
Design and Technology (Product Design
Design and Technology: Product Design (AQA 7551 & 7552)
Studying Design and Technology will prepare you to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. Modern society needs technologists, people who can solve problems, be creative, be aware of social, moral and ethical considerations and who can practically apply theoretical knowledge.
Advertisement
What will I study?
Students will learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices. The course places an emphasis on understanding and applying interactive design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes to solve real and relevant problems, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They will practise the practical application of technical principles and designing and making principles. Students will cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out into two categories: • Technical Principles • Designing and Making Principles Students will also develop knowledge and understanding of how skills and knowledge from other subject areas inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology. There are clear links between aspects of the specification content and other subject areas such as: • Computer Science – “The use of computer systems”, “Computer aided design” and
“Computer aided manufacture’. • Marketing – “The concept of global marketing”. • Business – “Product development and improvement” and “Enterprise and marketing in the development of products”. • Mathematics – “Scale, Proportion, Surface Area and Volume calculations”. There are opportunities within the specification for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A Level Design and Technology. Students will also demonstrate their Maths and Science skills within practical scenarios.
Future career options | Career pathways are many and varied and include engineering, industrial design, project management, architecture, interior design, concept development and product design.
Good subject combinations | This subject combines well with a wide range of other subjects such as Sciences, Mathematics, Art and Business Studies, providing an excellent springboard onto many degree courses.
Entry requirements | GCSE Design and Technology at grade 9-6 is preferred.
How will I be assessed?
Year One Assessment Content Details
Component 1 Portfolio: Students will produce one portfolio for a single design and make task (set by exam board). Non-Examination Assessment (50% of AS Level).
Component 2 Question and answer paper consisting of multiple choice, shortanswer and extended response questions. Written exam: two hours. (50% of AS Level)
Year Two Assessment Content Details
Component 1 Two question and answer papers: Paper 1. Technical Principles Paper 2. Design & Making Principles Two written exams each lasting two hours, 30 minutes. (50% of A Level)
Component 2 Portfolio: Students are required to undertake a substantial design and make a product of their choice. This unit results in the development of an appropriate product supported by an iterative design folder which meets the needs of an identified client. Non-Examination Assessment (50% of A Level).
