About the course:

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. The course is designed to be exciting and very hands-on, allowing students to develop their design and practical skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing a wide range of products of their choice.

Subject content

• 1. Core technical principles
• 2. Core designing and making principles
• 3. Additional specialist knowledge

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

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Paper 1

What's assessed

Core technical principles and core designing and making principles.

How it's assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 100 marks
• 25% of A-level

Questions

Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response.

Paper 2

What's assessed

Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles.

How it's 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's assessed

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.

How it's 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.

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What is expected of you:

You will be expected to be self motivated throughout, working hard in and out of lessons with the ability to work to tight deadlines.

Your work must be presented well at all times, paying close attention to detail ensuring that your work meets the criteria set and shows decisions made within the design process.

At all times you must clearly demonstrate how the client has influenced your design and product development.

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What it prepares you for:

Design and technology can set you up for a career in a wide variety of industries such as product design, engineering, architecture, information technology, fashion design and even education.

Popular careers for people with design and technology qualifications include: product designer, architect, furniture designer, fashion designer, software engineer, civil engineer, jewellery designer or tradesman.

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Entry requirements:

GCSE Resistant Materials or Food Technology at grade C/4 or above.

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Qualification details:

AQA A Level Design and Technology: Product Design

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For more information:

If you are an internal applicant, please talk to your DT teacher about the possibility of studying Product Design in the sixth form. Or you may choose to talk to Mr Jones (Acting Subject Lead:Technology)

If you are an external applicant and would like more details about this course, please email sixthform@mosslands.wirral.sch.uk