Subject
Design & Technology
Course
Design and Technology: Product Design (7552)
Exam Board
AQA
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mrs S Geal - Sgeal@stedmunds.org
ACL: MR J Deeming - jdeeming@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
Learners in Design Technology: Product Design are expected to produce a portfolio of work which include research, investigation, designing, development and manufacturing of a product in relation to a design brief they have developed in conjunction with a client/company or organisation.
Learners will have opportunities to be creative through practical skills and theoretical knowledge and giving them the confidence to succeed in a number of different sectors of Engineering, Architecture and Product Design.They 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. Learners will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
Course Requirements
- GCSE Design and Technology Grade 6
- GCSE 3D Design Grade 6
- Maths or Physics Grade 5
Assessment
There are 2 units of work that learners will complete as part of the course. This will include the Exam Assessment Unit: where learners will complete 2 written papers and a Non Exam Assessment Unit: where learners will complete a portfolio of work and final prototype. The Non Examination Assessment will be assessed by the teacher and moderated by the exam board.
Exam Assessment Unit
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out below. These have been separated into: technical principles designing and making principles
Technical Principles will account for 30% of the overall A Level. Students will learn about materials and their applications, performance characteristics of materials, material enchantment, forming, redistribution and additional processes, the use of adhesives and fixings, the use of finishes, modern industrial and commercial practice, digital design and manufacture, the requirements for product design and development, health and safety, protecting designs and intellectual property, design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal, feasibility studies, enterprise and marketing in the development of products and design communication.
Designing and Making Principles will account for 20% of the overall A Level. Students will learn about the iterative design process, how technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers, design processes, critical analysis and evaluation, selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes, accuracy in design and manufacture, responsible design, design for manufacture and project management and national and international standards in product design.
