Course Details
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
You will gain subject specific skills and understanding in modern design processes, materials and components. In addition, you will develop your research, analysis and planning skills, which you will apply in a series of problem-solving and design and make activities.
Former Design students have progressed onto successful careers as designers, architects, engineers, graphic designers, and many other related professions. Additionally, former students have found jobs with training leading to nationally recognised qualifications with local companies.
Are there any special requirements?
We would normally expect that a GCSE course in Design Technology, Product Design, Graphics, Electronics, Technology Systems, Resistant Materials or similar course has been followed to at least grade C standard. As with any other subject, the most important factor is your personal commitment. Advice is available from the Course Tutor.
What/how will I be studying?
The best way to learn about something is to do it! For that reason, you will develop your skills and knowledge in a variety of practical situations ranging from:
- Case studies of existing products and designers.
- Research and design exercises.
- Modelling using card, foam, paper, plastics, wood, and many other materials to produce a 3D representation of your ideas.
- Solving manufacturing problems.
- Major projects, where you are required to identify a problem and follow a process leading to a manufactured solution.
- These practical design and manufacturing sessions are supported by lessons that investigate the theory behind the applications.
A2 level builds on AS, but requires greater depth and breadth. Skills and concepts learned at AS and A2 level include:
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Natural and manufacture materials, product components, working properties, hand and machining processes |
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Developments in Design Technology, product evolution, natural forms, manufactured products and systems, product life cycle, design in practice, communication methods, modelling, ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design and consumer safety.
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Industrial and commercial practice, product manufacturing, application of IT. Through study and first hand experience in practical project work, candidates will also develop knowledge of the health and safety issues relevant to working with materials.
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What skills will I need and be developing during this course?
Design Technology is a creative process that uses knowledge and resources to solve practical problems. The Product Design course provides an excellent progression from GCSE and will develop your skills in the following areas:
- Design – creativity and originality, graphical communications, 3D modelling and use of
ICT in design. - Manufacturing – from prototype to full scale industrial production. You will look at the materials and processes involved.
- Research – using a wide range of sources, you will gather relevant information.
- Analytical skills – you will need to interpret the information you have found.
- Making – using a wide range of manufacturing processes to produce a practical working prototype of your design.
- Problem-solving skills – from the initial identification of a problem to your preferred solution.
- There are many opportunities for you to apply skills developed in other related subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, Computing/ICT, Art etc.
All of the above are highly transferable life skills that can be used and adapted for future careers and
courses.
How is the Course assessed?
The scheme of assessment is the same for both courses. There are 4 units of assessment – 2 AS and 2 A level. The AS counts as 50% of the marks towards the A level course.
| AS Examination | Marks |
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Unit 1 – Written paper
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50% of AS marks
25% of total Alevel marks
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Unit 2 – Coursework
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50% of AS marks
25% of total A
level marks |
| A Level Examination | Marks |
| Unit 3 – Written paper | 25% of total A level marks |
| Unit 4 – Coursework | 25% of total A level marks |
What career opportunities are there?
Most students who follow the Design and Technology course win a place for themselves on a university degree course, whilst some find jobs in a wide range of industries. Degree courses that our students have recently joined include Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, Industrial Design at Loughborough, Engineering at Cambridge, Computer Aided Design at Huddersfield, Electrical/Electronic Engineering at Hull, Mechatronics (Control Engineering) at Leeds, and Architecture at Cambridge. Each year, several students have used their A
level qualification to gain access to careers in the armed forces or to enter modern apprenticeships with local industry. Advice is given on the suitability of higher education courses and industrial sponsorship.
Download Course Description File: Design_Technology.pdf