Design & Technology

Welcome to Design & Technology in the Sixth Form at CHS

My name is Luke Dunn and I'm delighted to welcome you to the Design & Technology department at CHS! In the Sixth Form, we build upon the fanatsic range of skills and experiences on offer at GCSE through delivery of Design & Technology (Product Design) from the Edexcel exam board.  Please watch this introductory video to learn more about our creative and pedagogical approach to delivery of  DT from Y7 to A-level! 

DT Promo Video 2020

Course Information & Exemplar Portfolios

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.

Copy of A_Level_DT_NEA_Exemplar_Architecture.pdf
Copy of A_Level_DT_NEA_Exemplar_Cutlery_Rack.pdf

FAQs & Common Misconceptions!

Do I need to have studied GCSE DT to do the A level?

No, but it certainly helps! As someone who didn't do a GCSE in DT but went on to do an A level, I'm always open to new applicants, but you need to speak to me first so I know you're doing it for the right reasons. I want to know why you're passionate about DT, what hobbies you have, what aspirations you have etc. If you're just picking DT because you think it's going to be easy option, think again!

Is DT easier than other subjects at A level?

There's no such thing as an easy A level - the 'A' stands for 'Advanced' for good reason! There are few subjects, however, that require as broad a range of skills as DT, which is the greatest strength of the subject but something that should not be taken lightly. If A-Levels are like events at the Olympics, then DT is the decathlon. The good news is that just because you have one or two weaker events, it doesn't mean you won't make a great decathlete! 

Do I need to be good at drawing to be good at DT?

See above! Obviously being able to draw to a good standard helps, but I've seen quite limited drawers do extremely well in DT and certainly very well in terms of their communication skills. It's not just about drawing, it's about writing about, modelling and discussing your ideas in as much detail as possible. A pencil is but one of many mediums through which you can do this. 

Isn't DT just woodwork and metalwork?

This is one of the most frustrating and persistently lingering misconceptions about DT! Woodwork and metalwork skills may be delivered in some depth in DT,  provided that's what your product requires. If it doesn't, you won't necessarily delve too deeply into these skills. This is a subject driven by iterative design development working with a real-world client on a real-world problem. Thinking about what practical skills you will cover is putting the cart before the horse! 

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 I study at university with this A level?

Now that is a big question! What can't you study?! Design covers everything from form to function, from Fine Art to Aeronautical Engineering, from the purely aesthetic to the purely mathematical and scientific. Design-related degrees are a world within themselves and DT A level will help you to develop skills applicable to almost any creative disciple a university could offer. 

Don't Russell Group universities advise against doing DT?

To a degree, yes, if you are considering doing more than one subject they deem to be 'non-facilitating'. Whilst the tone and language of the group's Informed Choices website has softened, the perception undoubtedly still exists that some subjects are more 'rigorous' than others. Naturally, we disagree with the assumption that DT is not as rigorous or challenging as any other A-Level - and if the creative and design-based industries are your future, do you really mind what the Russel Group think? 

How will this be useful to me in life?

Where to begin!? Humans' ability to problem-solve, create, design and develop products is what's brought us to where we are, warts and all. And it's likely as not the only thing that will get us through the many challenges that your generation will face. You may not become the next James Dyson or Jonathan Ive, but whatever you do in life, you'll face challenges that require creative solutions that will need to be see through to a conclusion.  There's no better subject than DT to prepare you for those challenges! 

The Design & Technology Team

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