Sixth Form: Product Design

Subject Overview

Everything we use in our daily lives has been designed.  Without creative individuals pushing the boundaries of technology and seeing and solving problems, we would not live in the world as we know it today.  A Level Product Design is the starting point to making you one of those individuals who makes our life easier or better in some way.  This course builds on the knowledge you have gained from GSCE Product Design or GCSE Graphics.  It allows you to have a greater understanding of the processes and materials you will need as well as developing your thinking and practical skills.  You will have a mixture of practical and theory based lessons, enabling you to complete two projects in Year 12 and one project, of your own choosing in Year 13, your final chance to showcase the skills you have learnt.

We follow the AQA A Level Design and Technology: Product Design (3-D Design) specification, which can be viewed by using the link below:

This course has been chosen as it gives you the chance to work in a variety of materials as well as specialising more when it comes to the exam. 

Subject Content

Year 12 AS Level

Materials, Components and Application

In this module you will be learning about materials, manufacturing processes and techniques that are used within Industry, as well as looking at trends and design styles that influence the design of new projects.
The theory you learn will prepare you for the written exam at the end of Year 12.  This is a two hour paper which will count for 50% of your AS level or 25% of your A level.

Learning Through Designing and Making

Through a series of design and make projects, you will develop your designing and practical skills.  You will be asked to carry out research tasks, design and develop your ideas through sketching, modelling and CAD work.  You will then have to make a series of quality products showing your practical skills, before evaluating them. 
This module will count for 50% of your AS level or 25% of your A Level.

Year 13 A Level

Design and Manufacture

This module builds upon the knowledge learnt in Year 12 and prepares you for the exam.  You will look at the link between Design and Technology in more detail as well as looking at how and why products are designed.
This module accounts for 25% of the A Level and is a two hour paper.

Design and Making Practice

This is your final chance to showcase your designing and making skills.  You will need to identify a client and produce a good quality piece of practical work.  You will also need to produce a design folio, detailing your journey through the project.

Entry Requirements and Prohibited Options

There are no specific entry requirements, but it is preferable to have at least a grade C in either GCSE Product Design or GCSE Graphics.

Activities and Trips

In order to enhance your learning, trips to local manufacturing companies and London talks and exhibitions will be offered.  These are designed to help with your understanding of commercial manufacturing systems and wider thinking about how design and technology impacts the world we live in.

Expected Costs

You will be expected to make a contribution to the materials that you use, this will vary.   We expect you to provide your own A3 folder as well as basic graphics equipment.

Subject Resources

Past Papers

Using past papers is a great way to assess your knowledge and allows you to become more familiar with what the exam will ‘look’ like and the kind of information and detail the examiners are looking for.  Use the link below to find such papers and mark schemes:

For further information contact Miss D BarwellEmail icon, Curriculum Leader: Technology