3-Dimensional Design

Specification: AQA Art and Design (8205)

Three-dimensional design is defined as the design, prototyping, modelling and making of functional and aesthetic products and objects drawing upon intellectual, creative and practical skills. This qualification is intended for students who enjoy designing and making 3D products. It is aimed at those who prefer the type of processes, equipment and materials used in Design & Technology during KS3 (e.g. Woods, Ceramics, Metals, Plastics, Mechanisms, Electronics, and 3D Construction). The skills you develop are transferable, and the independence and resilience you build will enhance the creative and cognitive areas of your learning, all of which are highly sought after by future employers. It is worth noting that the UK's creative and design industries are the fastest-growing economic sectors.

Why choose 3D Design GCSE?

Through design, you can become a critical and informed user of products, an innovator and a creative thinker. This course has been designed to encourage you to express original ideas and to develop an adventurous and enquiring mind. You will be inventive with materials and examine the relationship between form and function. You will learn about the iterative nature of the design process, from concept research and experimentation to the final outcomes. Workshop and design sessions using various modern materials such as wood, ceramics, metals, plastics and textiles will be used to create your individual portfolio and final pieces of practical work. This will be an opportunity for you to experiment with a range of materials and processes in order to finalise a substantial portfolio of work. The ability to handle materials, techniques and processes effectively, skillfully and safely underpins all the assessment objectives.

The diversity of this course means it can lead to a career in a range of creative industries such as designer for theatre, film and industries, education, product designer, product manufacturer, stylist, materials engineer, production manager, jeweller, and furniture designer to name a few.

Year 11 GCSE structure:

Ø  Component 1 (96 marks equal to 60% of the overall grade)

Ø  Component 2 – Externally set assignment (96 marks equal to 40% of the overall grade)

For each component, the marks are awarded in line with the following:

-          AO1 Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating a critical understanding of sources.          

-          AO2 Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

-          AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

-          AO4 Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates an understanding of visual language.

Component 2 is an externally set assignment, and you will have a range of themes to choose from. The themes may be focused on a particular product range, such as lighting or adornment, as well as more conceptual themes focusing on scale, textures, body and even politics.

N.B.

The course requires a high degree of self-discipline, time management and organisational skills to meet a series of clear objectives that are measured in the limited amount of hours spent on each objective. In addition, there will only be a maximum of 12 to a class.

There is an additional cost for materials and trips for this course, which should not exceed £50 per term over the three-year course. The overall additional cost is dependent on the material choices of individual students.