Subject: Design and Technology: Product Design

Examination Board: AQA

Non-Exam Assessment: 50%

Examination: 

Paper 1: Technical Principals 30% 

Paper 2: Design and Making Principals 20%

Specific entry requirements:

A grade 6 in GCSE English Language or English Literature, grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6 in GCSE Design and Technology.

What will you study?

The aim at year 12 is to develop a holistic understanding of Product Design and develop your practical skills.

You develop an in-depth technical understanding of:

• Materials and their Application

• Performance Characteristics of Materials and how they are formed and redistributed.

• Modern industrial and commercial practice

• Digital design and manufacture

You will also develop your Design and making practical skills by focusing on:

• Design Strategies

• Use of tools and machinery in the workshop

• Use of CAD and CAM

In Year 13 your main focus will be on Non Exam Assessment (NEA) where you will develop your own contextual challenge and work independently. 

You will develop an in-depth technical understanding of:

• The requirements for product design and development

• Protecting designs and intellectual property

• Enterprise and marketing in the development of products

• Design methods, processes and design theory

• How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers

•  Critical analysis and evaluation

• Selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes

• Accuracy in design and manufacture

• Responsible design

•  Design for manufacture and project management

•  National and international standards in product design

What Super Curricular opportunities are there linked to this subject?

• Opportunities to work with external partners that support Product Design and Engineering pathways including working with Institute of Engineering Technology, Imperial College in their Maker Space and working with Small Peice Trust charity. 

• We develop your skills using industry standard software that is taught at university 

• Access to state of the art facilities at the Academy. 

• Preparation for applications to Design and Engineering course including personal statement writing, portfolio organisation and interview practice

What can this course lead to?

Students will be well prepared for any design/ engineering courses at degree level. Product Design is a versatile subject that can help you in a number of careers as you are working as a designer from the onset of the course. You could find yourself working for small design studios, large engineering companies, architects, in material sciences, but your qualification in Product Design could also be valuable support in a career like marketing and advertising.