DT (Product Design)
Course Overview
The course is focused towards consumer products and applications; their analysis in respect of materials, components, and marketability to understand their selection and uses in industrial and commercial practices of product development. In Product Design, materials and components are studied from the perspective of analysing modern consumer products that are designed to meet identified consumer needs, their design and manufacture. During this course you will build upon and develop your knowledge and understanding from GCSE whilst also having the freedom to focus in more depth on areas of design and technology that most interest you.
Examination Board:
EDEXCEL
Entry Requirements:
Grade 4 in Product Design /Distinction in Engineering/ recommendation from HOD based on observation of practical and written work.
You must have the required qualifications for the Advanced Pathway.
Course Level:
A Level – Level 3
Assessment Objectives
During the two year course, you will study a range of materials including timbers, metals, plastics and paper boards. You will develop a technical understanding of how products function and how they are made to appropriately support the design and manufacture of your own design solutions. You will learn about wider design principles and the effect of design on users and the world we live in. You will identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes/products. You will develop your subject knowledge, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture. This subject also requires you to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, understanding and skills.
What skills will I develop?
| Critical thinking skills | |
| Research skills | |
| Critical thinking skills | |
| Justification skills |
How will I be assessed?
You will not be externally assessed at AS Level, but you will sit a mock exam at the end of the year. In addition to this you will take part in a range of design and make activities and projects to develop your designing and manufacturing skills in preparation for your A Level coursework project which will begin after Easter in Year 12.
Is there anything else I should know?
For candidates wishing to study Product Design or Industrial Design at higher education the desirable subjects to choose along with Product Design are Art & Design, Mathematics, Science (Applied), Physics, Business Studies and ICT. However, other combinations are acceptable depending on the type of higher education establishment.
Progression Routes
Success in this course can lead to higher education qualifications and careers in Product Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Computer Aided Design, Architectural Design Technology, Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering as well as other creative, design and engineering disciplines.