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Qualification
Qualification
A Level
A Level
Exam Board
Exam Board
Edexcel
Edexcel
Why should I study Product Design?
Why should I study Product Design?
Product Design is an exciting subject which provides students with the platform to explore their creative and practical abilities.
Product Design is an exciting subject which provides students with the platform to explore their creative and practical abilities.
Our country thrives on the work of designers, engineers and technologists. Evidence of this is seen through everyday products from vacuum cleaners to high performance sportswear such as the AlphaFly or grand civil engineering structures such as the Orwell Bridge. Product Design benefits people and the economy.
Our country thrives on the work of designers, engineers and technologists. Evidence of this is seen through everyday products from vacuum cleaners to high performance sportswear such as the AlphaFly or grand civil engineering structures such as the Orwell Bridge. Product Design benefits people and the economy.
The opportunity to be a problem solver by using imagination and strong subject knowledge with a practical skill set is exciting, rewarding and ultimately will make you appealing to future employers.
The opportunity to be a problem solver by using imagination and strong subject knowledge with a practical skill set is exciting, rewarding and ultimately will make you appealing to future employers.
What students say
What students say
"Doing the Product Design course has enabled me to come up with ideas to real problems"
"I have learnt some many new skills such as computer aided design, professional quality sketching and the use of different machines"
"We had a great day out in London, hearing from professional designers such as Jude Pullen who has been on the BBC and people who use AI in their design work."
Enrichment
Enrichment
Students are always welcome to come and work in our studios and workshops at any time.
We organise a trip to London for the 'Product Design in Action' lectures where students get to see and hear about the work that real designers do.
We also do our best to form links with industry and last year students benefitted from a visit to Hustchisons at the Port of Felixstowe.
Opportunities for progression
Opportunities for progression
Successful completion of the course can lead to careers directly related to the subject or to much wider fields. Students passionate about design & technology ultimately pursue higher education, jobs or apprenticeships in fields such as product design, engineering, furniture design, fashion design, architecture, construction, building trades and much more. We are very proud that recent graduates have gone on to jobs in these fields. Further afield, many students have gained confidence from the creative and practical nature of the course which has supported jobs relating to dentistry, marketing, computing, graphics, media and many other career routes!
Successful completion of the course can lead to careers directly related to the subject or to much wider fields. Students passionate about design & technology ultimately pursue higher education, jobs or apprenticeships in fields such as product design, engineering, furniture design, fashion design, architecture, construction, building trades and much more. We are very proud that recent graduates have gone on to jobs in these fields. Further afield, many students have gained confidence from the creative and practical nature of the course which has supported jobs relating to dentistry, marketing, computing, graphics, media and many other career routes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not currently studying a Technology subject at GCSE level, can I choose this subject?
It is preferential to have GCSE Design & Technology and/or Engineering as a strong foundation to build upon. However, it is not unheard of for students to make changes to their subject pathways. We will welcome students from other subject backgrounds but it is important that you have a passion and drive for the subject and that you commit to developing your subject knowledge and skills beyond lesson time and before you start the course.
Is there a good combination of subjects to study with Product Design?
No. Every student is different and the combination of subjects you choose will support your interests and future ambitions. Examples of past students who have taken this subject include:
A Civil Engineer who previously took Product Design, Geography and Maths
An Architect who previously took Product Design, Art and Maths
An Engineer who previously took Product Design, Maths and Physics
A Set Designer who took Product Design, Drama and Art
Is there a lot of coursework to complete?
The coursework element is demanding but is completed over a long period of time. Some students choose multiple subjects with strong coursework content. It is important to maintain good organisation skills to complete this over time.
Subject Link
Subject Link
Mr T Corker
Mr T Corker
tcorker@fxs.org.uk
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
Year 12 focuses on developing creative curiosity, ensuring strong subject knowledge and developing confidence with practical skills. This will give learners the belief to tackle the examined units with confidence in Year 13. Examples of content covered in Year 12 includes:
Year 12 focuses on developing creative curiosity, ensuring strong subject knowledge and developing confidence with practical skills. This will give learners the belief to tackle the examined units with confidence in Year 13. Examples of content covered in Year 12 includes:
- Communicating design ideas clearly
- Working with different materials such as timbers, polymers and metals
- Using hand tools, equipment and machines
- Understanding modern processes such as computer aided design and computer aided manufacture
- Developing modelling skills to develop ideas effectively
- Gaining a strong understanding of industry standard processes
- Modern prototyping methods including 3D printing
- Addressing real world problems and problem solving for people
- Applying mathematical and scientific principles to design & technology
How is the course assessed?
How is the course assessed?
The A Level course consists of 2 assessed parts which take place over Year 13. 50% of the course is formed through a 'Non Examined Assessment.' Students will understand this as a demanding coursework project where students choose an area of focus to research, design, develop and ultimately produce a solution. The end result will be a folder of around 40 A3 pages and a manufactured prototype. The remaining 50% of the course is the exam which is taken in the summer. This exam paper covers designing principles, technical principles and the application of maths in the subject.
The A Level course consists of 2 assessed parts which take place over Year 13. 50% of the course is formed through a 'Non Examined Assessment.' Students will understand this as a demanding coursework project where students choose an area of focus to research, design, develop and ultimately produce a solution. The end result will be a folder of around 40 A3 pages and a manufactured prototype. The remaining 50% of the course is the exam which is taken in the summer. This exam paper covers designing principles, technical principles and the application of maths in the subject.
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