Design and Manufacture - National 4

Vale of Leven Academy

This Course is a broad-based qualification, suitable for learners with a general or specific interest in design and technology generally. It is suitable for learners with an interest in product design and manufacturing in particular. It is suitable for those wanting to progress onto higher levels of study in the subject. The Course is largely learner-centred and includes practical and experiential learning opportunities. The world of design and manufacturing covers a broad spectrum of experiences. Some products are designed to create an emotional or visual impact; others are more functional in their requirements. These facts allow the Course to be flexible in nature and allow scope for personalisation and choice for each learner. On completing the Course, learners will be able to: create, develop and communicate design proposals; solve design problems in applied contexts; contribute to the evaluation of design proposals and manufacturing practicalities; and manufacture models, prototypes and products of their design ideas. In addition, learners will have developed: knowledge and understanding of a range of materials and manufacturing processes; an appreciation of the factors that impact on the design and manufacture of products; and an understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our environment and society. 

The Course consists of three mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit. Each of the component Units of the Course is designed to provide progression to the corresponding Unit at National 5. 

Design and Manufacture: Design (National 4) 

This Unit covers the product design process from brief to design proposal. It helps learners develop skills in initiating, developing, articulating and communicating simple design proposals. It allows them to develop an appreciation of the design/make/test process and the importance of evaluating and resolving work on an ongoing basis. It allows them to develop an appreciation of design concepts and the various factors that influence the design of products. 

Design and Manufacture: Materials and Manufacturing (National 4) 

This Unit covers the product design process from design proposals to prototype and product. It allows learners to ‘close the design loop’ by manufacturing their design ideas. It allows learners to develop practical skills that are invaluable in the design/make/test process. It helps them gain an appreciation of the properties and uses of materials, as well as simple manufacturing processes and techniques. It allows them to refine and resolve design and manufacturing solutions. In both Units, learners will gain knowledge of design and manufacturing technologies and how these impact on our environment and society. 

Added Value Unit: Design and Manufacture Assignment (National 4) 

This Unit adds value by introducing challenge and application. Learners will draw on their range of design knowledge and skills, knowledge of materials and manufacturing and apply their practical skills, in order to produce an effective overall response to a brief. The brief will relate to a straightforward product design scenario. The response will include a folio, a model, or a prototype, or a completed product. Learners will be able to extend and apply their knowledge and skills through the assignment. The brief will be sufficiently open and flexible to allow for personalisation and choice. Learners will use skills and knowledge acquired through the Units to develop the discrete aspects and overall presentation of the assignment.