Design & Technology

Welcome to Design & Technology in the Sixth Form at CHS

I am Kate Metcalfe, Head of Design Technology, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to A Level Design Technology (Product Design). The course builds upon previous learning at GCSE and is designed to equip students with the skills to solve real-world problems through creative and iterative design processes. Students learn about materials, modern manufacturing techniques, digital technologies, and client-focused design, while considering environmental, ethical, and commercial factors.

Course Information & Exemplar Portfolios

Edexcel A Level Design & Technology - Course Specification

Edexcel A Level Design & Technology - Sample Examination Paper

Lower Sixth Theory Content

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

Upper Sixth Theory Content

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.

FAQs

What GCSE Grade do I need to study A Level DT?

Ideally, you would have achieved a grade 6 or above at GCSE in order to ensure that you can handle the rigours of the course. That said, if you're keen and hardworking I'm willing to negotiate. Come and have a chat.

How does the A Level course differ from GCSE?

The short answer to this question is that the training wheels will be coming off! Whereas at GCSE students are given a Contextual Challenge by the exam board in order to scaffold their NEA project, at A Level you are expected to identify your own Design Possibilites and research these in order to decide upon the theme of your project. The depth and rigour of the work you are expected to produce is greater than at GCSE, too, with every single design choice and project decision needing to be fully justified and explained in detail. The theory we do at A Level is also more demanding and covers a broader range of topics, ranging from familiar ones such as Properties of Materials to more advanced ones such as Intellectual Property Rights and Six Sigma Project Management.

I'm interested but nervous - what support can I expect?

So much support! We have an exceptional team here in DT, with each of us specialising in different skills and capabilities. You will usually be taught by three members of staff across your timetable, with each teacher taking point on a different section of the course in order to ensure you have access to the best of all of our skills. And, as always, our wonderful technicial Mr Tulloch is on hand with invaluable engineering expertise. In short: we've got you.

I spent a lot of time in the workshops outside of lessons at GCSE. Is A Level the same?

Yes and no. Whilst you will most definitely need to spend additional time in the Department outside of your taught lessons, you are welcome to attend whenever you have a study period on your timetable (in addition to the advertised lunchtime and afterschool sessions). As an A Level student, you will have full access to our Sixth Form Hub, a dedicated study space for our Y12 and Y13 students, where you can work in peace and quiet but with the additional benefit of immediate access to the teachers in the department. This additional space allows you to manage your time in a way that is appropriate for your study needs, whilst also allowing you to balance the work of your other subjects.

I've heard there's some Maths questions in the exam?

Yes, just as there are in the revised GCSE. The Maths questions make up 15% of the examination, or 7.5% of the qualification. Not far off a grade boundary. So, yes, you need to have competent mathematical skills - but at KS4 standard. The Maths covered in A-Level DT is not of A-Level Maths complexity.

What can DT offer that other subjects can't?

Project Planning - Time Management - Independent Problem Solving - Resilience - Logic - Teamwork - Communication - Presentation - Adaptability - Innovation

Whilst arguably these highly desirable and transferable skills are all delivered in other A Level subjests, you will struggle to find another course that has them all.

What career paths are available to me with a DT qualification?

Film and Video Editor - Ergonomist - Architect - Photographer - Fashion Designer - Cloud Engineer - Software Designer - Landscape Architect - Computer Research Scientist - Data Scientist - Machine Learning Engineer - Web Developer - Multimedia Artist and Animator - Civil Engineer - Augmented Reality Designer - Sound Engineer - IT Security Analyst - Brand Manager - Systems Engineer - Artist - Aeronautical Engineer - UX/UI Designer - Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Engineer - Interior Designer - Product Designer - Advertising Executive - Industrial Designer - Digital Content Creator - Video Game Designer - Art Director - Graphic Designer - Sculptor - Furniture Designer - Project Manager - Entrepreneur - Management Consultant - Marketing Exec - Video Producer - Promotions Manager - Digital Products Designer - Astronaut - Infrastructure Engineer

Take your pick!

Copy of A_Level_DT_NEA_Exemplar_Architecture.pdf

Copy of A_Level_DT_NEA_Exemplar_Cutlery_Rack.pdf

The Design & Technology Team

Kate Metcalfe - Head of Department - KateMetcalfe@chschool.co.uk
John Cooper | A Level DT Teaching Team
Carl Taylor | A Level Dt Teaching Team
Charlie Seed | A Level DT Teaching Team
Angus Tulloch | DT Department Technician

Please contact our Head of Department if you have any further questions.

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