AS Level Design (DESN-S)

AS Level Design (DESN-S)

Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
Although this is a graphics course it has a resistant materials element that can be focused on by students who have studied Resistant Materials at GCSE.

I assume very little previous knowledge so, if you have studied Art, Resistant Materials, Textiles or Food Technology at GCSE, you will be taught what you need to know to perform well on the course - including how to draw!

The course focuses on graphic products (printed matter, interior design, packaging etc). Early work on the course focuses on skills building using structured practical and graphics tasks. A central element of the course is a detailed study of materials, manufacture and product development. 40% of the exam marks are drawn from this theory aspect of the course and a proportional amount of time is spent teaching you what you need to know to do well in the exam. .

AS
In the first year of the course students will be required to cover:

Unit 1 -Portfolio of Creative skills : This is split into three distinct parts that, combined, are similar to a coursework project:. They are: Product investigation; Product Design and Product Manufacture.

Unit 2 -Design and Technology in Practice : Here you develop an understanding of industrial and commercial practices through a study of manufactured products broken down into design, development and manufacture. You also study materials, components and systems related to graphic products.

A2
In the second year, knowledge experience and understanding of the subject will be expanded.

Unit 3 -Designing for the Future : This involves further study of materials, components and systems in more depth with greater application and further study of Design and Technology in society. (consumer interests, advertising, conservation, sustainability, design movements etc.)

Unit 4 -Design and Make Project A sophisticated design and make assignment in which you identify a design need from a client and, through in-depth research, sensitive design and with the support of a 'Professional' contact, produce a solution to the problem. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of commercial practice throughout this task.

What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS
Unit 1.
Portfolio of Creative Skills - internally marked externally moderated. 30%

Unit 2.
Design and Technology in Practice - 2 hour theory examination. 20%

A2
Unit 3.
Designing in the Future - 2 hour theory examination. 20%

Unit 4.
Commercial Design - Internally marked externally moderated. 30%

What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Students who wish to progress to higher level courses outlined below or students who simply enjoy working in a challenging interactive environment and like the challenge of structured problem solving to achieve functional, 3D / graphic outcomes. You should be prepared tostudy hard for the theory examination which counts for 40% of the total marks for both AS and A2 courses.

What could I do with a qualification in this subject?
This course is valuable for progression to a very wide range of courses including: Product Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Structural), Product Manufacture, CAD/CAM, Computing, Stage design and Three-dimensional studies.

Entry Requirements
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
You should have achieved a grade B or above in any Design and Technology discipline or have an A grade in Art if you didn't study Design and Technology. You will need to be able research effectively, communicate your ideas through drawing, writing or talking about them and be interested in how and why products are designed and made. You will want to design and make your own, marketable, graphic products