Design & Technology 

Design and Technology - Product Design

AQA

Content and Assessment overview

The AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Design and Technology: Product Design consists of two components – one written examination and one non-exam assessment (NEA). Both must be completed in May/June of a single year.

Paper 1: Technical principles

(Paper code: 7552/1)

• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

• 30% of A-level

• 120 marks

Content assessed:

• Materials and their applications

• Performance characteristics of materials

• Processes, techniques and specialist tools

• Digital technologies

• Factors influencing the development of products

• Effects of technological developments

• Design theory

Question types:

• Mixture of short-answer, multiple-choice and extended response questions.

Paper 2: Designing and making principles

(Paper code: 7552/2)

• Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

• 20% of A-level

• 80 marks

Content assessed:

• Design methods and processes

• Design theory

• Design in practice (inclusive design, ergonomics, anthropometrics, and aesthetics)

• Responsible design and sustainability (6 Rs, life cycle analysis, etc.)

• Enterprise and marketing in the development of products

• Design for manufacture and project management

Question types:

• Mixture of short-answer and extended response questions, including:

  • Product analysis

  • Commercial manufacture

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles

(Component code: 7552/C)

• Substantial design and make task

• 50% of A-level

• 100 marks

Content assessed:

• Identifying and investigating design possibilities
  Producing a design brief and specification

• Generating, developing and realising design ideas
  Analysing and evaluating outcomes

Delivery:

• Evidence in a written or digital design portfolio and a manufactured outcome.

The AQA A-level in Product Design requires students to:

• Demonstrate creativity and imagination in designing and making products.

• Apply technical and practical expertise to manufacture outcomes.

• Analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including for sustainability.

• Develop knowledge and understanding of design and technology in historical, cultural, environmental, and economic contexts.

• Apply mathematical and scientific principles to product design.

Taught by: Fiona Morgan- Head of Design and Technology and Maram Alsubaie - Teacher of Design and Technology