Entry Requirements (please note this course is new for RR6 for Sept 2025 start)

GCSE Product Design grade 6 or higher. In exceptional circumstances, students who have experience of extra-curricular creation of design work at a high level may be considered for this course.

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study Design Technology – Product Design?

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. They 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 prototypes of their choice. 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.

This subject will appeal to creative, self-motivated students who have a passion for experimenting and creating work in a range of materials including wood, metal, card and plastics. You will build on your existing knowledge gained in design and making and you will create innovative products. You will be encouraged to take design risks and experiment with new materials in the workshop.

What Topics Will I Study?

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 encompassing:

• technical principles

• designing and making principles.

Students will also complete a design and make project which will amount to 50% of their overall grade. For this section you will be able to develop a product in your own area of interest and you will be encouraged to experiment with and use new materials. You will be given the opportunity to use traditional and new methods of of manufacture such at steam bending and laminating.

You will look at how design can evoke emotional responses from communities and how your work as a designer can improve a way of life and bring about discussion on culture, moral and environmental impacts.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will sit 2 papers and they will also complete the NEA section of the course.

Paper 1

What is assessed: Technical principles

How it is assessed:  Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes

120 marks - 30% of A-level

Questions - Mixture of short answer and extended response.

Paper 2

What is assessed:  Designing and making principles

How it is assessed: Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes

80 marks - 20% of A-level

Questions - Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

Section A: Product Analysis: 30 marks

Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).

Section B: Commercial manufacture: 50 marks

Mixture of short and extended response questions

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

What is assessed:  Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

How it is assessed:  Substantial design and make project

100 marks

50% of A-level

Evidence - Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Taking this subject could lead to a career in all areas of Design including, Product Design and Development, Architecture, Marketing and many areas of Engineering including Civil and Mechanical Engineering, and Product Manufacture. As well as this, there is product or automotive design, computer generated cartoons, or maybe CAD for industry. This course could take you into teaching, manufacturing or advertising.

Other Opportunities available Whilst Studying the Course

Students will have the opportunity to get involved in a number of exciting design competitions whilst studying this course. They will be offered places on trips to museums and galleries as well as residential trips.

Subjects which combine well with this course include: