Design & Technology

Introduction to A level Design & Technology video

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Design and Technology

(Product Design) (9DT0)

The Edexcel A Level Design and Technology (Product Design) course provides students the chance to refine their skills from GCSE. It is no longer a single year of AS level and a second year at A2 level, but in fact a complete 2-year course. Meaning that if opted for the course will not be completed without the full 2-year participation. The qualification emphasises creativity and sustainability seeking to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of designing products. The course provides opportunities to explore ideas of originality and values, to question and to challenge, to envisage what could be, but equally to achieve the results that will progress their career.

The A Level is made up of two components:

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology (Paper code: 9DT0/01)*

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

50% of the qualification

120 marks

Content overview

Topic 1: Materials

Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials

Topic 3: Processes and techniques

Topic 4: Digital technologies

Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products

Topic 6: Effects of technological developments

Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment

Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries

Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment

Topic 10: Current legislation

Topic 11: Information handling, Modelling and forward planning

Topic 12: Further processes and techniques.

Assessment overview

● The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as

extended-writing questions focused on:

• analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, against a technical principle,

for prototypes made by others

• analysis and evaluation of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral,

ethical and environmental impacts.

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project (Paper code: 9DT0/02)

Non-examined assessment

50% of the qualification

120 marks

Content overview

● Students individually and/or in consultation with a client/end user identify a problem

and design context.

● Students will develop a range of potential solutions which include the use of computer

aided design and evidence of modelling.

● Students will be expected to make decisions about the designing and development of

the prototype in conjunction with the opinions of the client/end user.

● Students will realise one potential solution through practical making activities with

evidence of project management and plan for production.

● Students will incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype

may have on the environment

● Students are expected to analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes for

prototypes/products made by themselves and others

● Students are expected to analyse and evaluate of wider issues in design technology,

including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.

Assessment overview

● The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated.

● Students will produce a substantial design, make and evaluate project which consists of

a portfolio and a prototype

● The portfolio will contain approximately 40 sides of A3 paper (or electronic equivalent)

● There are four parts to the assessment:

o Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design

Identification and investigation of a design possibility, investigation of client/end user

needs, wants and values, research and production of a specification

o Part 2: Designing a prototype

Design ideas, development of design idea, final design solution, review of

development and final design and communication of design ideas

o Part 3: Making a final prototype

Design, manufacture and realisation of a final prototype, including tools and

equipment and quality and accuracy

o Part 4: Evaluating own design and prototype

Testing and evaluation

It is beneficial if the students who choose A Level Design and Technology are students who have already studied GCSE Design and Technology and achieved a Grade 6 or higher.

Susan Khampuwieng - Curriculum Leader, Creative Arts