Product Design

A Level - AQA

Taught At

Hitchin Boys’ School, Hitchin Girls’ School and The Priory School

Course Overview

This course will encourage you to take a broad view of Product Design, to develop your capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Product design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products. Design studies will focus on the work of past designers, design movements of the 20th Century and contemporary design. The new specification will also draw upon your knowledge of Science and Mathematics.

Course Content

Our Design and Technology; Product Design course offers a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. You'll develop a wide range of design and practical skills, focusing on key design concepts and problem-solving. We emphasize industry-standard software like Illustrator, and AutoDesk Fusion, alongside hands-on experience in our well-equipped workshops. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity and a growing ability to produce fit-for-purpose outcomes that satisfy wants and needs, enhancing daily life. Throughout the course, you'll tackle client-centered iterative design projects, gaining valuable experience in both designing and manufacturing. This includes working with new materials and exploring various design challenges, from 3D products and packaging to environments, and even architectural models.

The Year 12 curriculum features a range of mini-projects and exam theory lessons to prepare you for the comprehensive Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) in Year 13. You will also gain theoretical knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, and industrial techniques. This program is an ideal pathway for students aiming to pursue Product Design or related subjects at college or university.

To achieve success in Product Design, you will complete a portfolio of research and design work along with a working prototype for a client of your choosing. Your 2 exams will cover technical principles and design and making principles including; social, economic and environmental issues and will be taken at the end of Year 13.

To achieve success in Product Design, you will complete a portfolio of research and design work along with a working prototype for a client of your choosing. Your 2 exams will cover technical principles and design and making principles including; social, economic and environmental issues.

Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 or above at GCSE in Design and Technology

Course Specification

AQA 7552

Product Design Specification link