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About the course:
About the course:
Exam Board: AQA
Subject contact: Paul Thomas
Product Design is a creative subject, which has been designed to encourage students to broaden their understanding of a range of materials, components and manufacturing techniques. They will have the opportunity to develop their design skills through a range of imaginative and innovative methods and produce a portfolio of evidence to support the development of a final prototype. In addition, students will learn to produce creative and innovative products that meet the needs of a range of clients and consumers.
This course is suited to individuals with a creative flair for designing and those who enjoy developing ideas through sketching, modelling and CAD. It is also an excellent choice for those who enjoy practical subjects and want to develop their technical skills in the workshop through the development of models and prototypes. A range of graphics techniques and ICT, including CAD/CAM will be used to help generate, develop, model and communicate students design proposals.
This course is suitable for those interested in pursuing a career in the design industry. Possible careers include: Product Designer, Architect, Interior Designer or Graphic Designer.
Units of study:
Units of study:
Component 1
Component 1
Paper 1 - Technical principles
Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes
120 marks
30% of A-level
Questions - Mixture of short answer and extended response
Component 2
Component 2
Paper 2 - Designing and making principles
Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
80 marks
20% of A-level
Questions - Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.
Section A:
Product Analysis: 30 marks
Up to 6 short answer questions based on
visual stimulus of product(s).
Section B:
Commercial manufacture: 50 marks
Mixture of short and extended response questions
Non-exam assessment (NEA) - Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.
Non-exam assessment (NEA) - Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.
Substantial design and make project
100 marks
50% of A-level
Evidence
Written or digital design portfolio and
photographic evidence of final prototype.
"What surprised me was how much I enjoyed the theory side, particularly the materials science and commercial manufacturing topics. It gives context to my practical work’’
"The best part of the AQA Design and Technology course is definitely the NEA. I love that I get to take a real-world problem and solve it from concept to final prototype.’’
"I really enjoy the whole design journey, especially the constant testing and refinement. It's not just about drawing a product; it’s about investigating user needs, failing fast, and iteratively improving my design.’’
Students have a specialist workshop for sixth form projects only so they can utilise the space beyond their taught lessons to develop their ideas and construct their project pieces.
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