Design and Technology
Exam Board: AQA

A Level Product Design is a 2 year course which covers the following key areas of study:
In the first year 'materials, components and application'- you will look at materials, production processes and the impact upon product design. This will prepare you for the 2 hour summer exam. In 'learning through designing and making' you will produce 2 pieces of coursework from your own designs with a range of materials and media. Each of these units will account for 25% of your total marks.

In the second year you will get to grips with 'design and manufacture' helping you to appreciate the relationship between form and function and industrial production.
'Design and making in practice' is the practical coursework element where you will develop and make a product of your own choice. Again, a 2 hour exam and your coursework will each account for 25% of your total marks.

What skills will I learn?
In Product Design you will develop a number of transferable skills:

There is very much a ‘hands on’ approach to learning in Product Design. You will be encouraged to analyse familiar products, make lots of models, develop your drawing and CAD skills and use a wide variety of tools and equipment with confidence.

In order to keep in touch with the commercial world and to develop your understanding of design you will take part in numerous manufacturing and exhibition visits, such as: V & A Museum (London), Design Museum (London), BMW Mini (Oxford) and NP Aerospace (Coventry).

Where will success take me?
3D design could take you into a variety of exciting career paths such as:

All products are designed by someone – why not you?