A-Level Design and Technology – Product Design
Course Summary
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning into practice by producing products of your choice.
Course Outline
Exam Board: Edexcel
Paper 1
What is assessed: Core technical principles and core designing and making principles.
How it is assessed• Written exam: 2 hours• 100 marks• 25% of A-level Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response
Paper 2
What is assessed: Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles.
How it is assessed• Written exam: 2 hours• 25% of A-level Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response questions.
Section A:• Product Analysis.• Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).
Section B:• Commercial manufacture.• Mixture of short and extended response questions.
Non-exam assessment (NEA)
What is assessed: Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.
How it is assessed
- Substantial design and make task
- 45 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of A-level
Evidence: written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.
Subject Entry Requirements
In addition to the general Sixth Form Entry requirements students will need the following:
GCSE English Literature or Language: Grade 4 or above
GCSE Mathematics: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Design and Technology: Grade 5 or above
Students that have not taken a GCSE (or equivalent) Design and Technology subject but have career aspirations in this area with a strong maths and science background, and a desire to apply those skills in a problem-solving context will be considered on an individual basis.
