A level Design & Technology

Design & Technology


Why should I study Design & Technology Product Design?
Design & Technology Product Design is a subject that develops your ability in both practical work, and the theory of design and manufacture. The AS units build on the knowledge gained at GCSE level, whatever the option taken, and allow you to pursue topics that interest you.

What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1:
Advanced Innovation Challenge

The Advanced Innovation Challenge requires you to design and model in a range of materials in a design workshop or examination room and complete a workbook and question paper. It is externally marked by OCR.

Unit 2:
Product Study

The Product Study consists of product analysis and product development, prototype modelling and testing. The Product Study is a coursework unit

which is internally marked and externally moderated by OCR.

A2 Units
Unit 3:
Design, Make and Evaluate

You are required to produce a coursework portfolio and product which fully demonstrates their designing, making and evaluation skills, using creativity, flair and innovation. Design, Make and Evaluate is a coursework unit which is internally marked, and externally moderated by OCR.

Unit 4:
Product Design

Product Design is an externally marked written examination paper. The subject content of this unit is focused towards products and applications and their analysis in respect of:

• materials, components and their uses
• manufacturing processes
• industrial and commercial practices

What skills do I need?
You will have taken one of the GCSE Design & Technology syllabuses and achieved at least a Grade C.

How will I be taught?
Design & Technology Product Design will be taught by a single teacher using a variety of methods. These include practical work, demonstrations, individual research, group work and private study.

How is the course assessed?
Units 1 and 4 are externally set examinations. Units 2 and 3 are coursework units.

What opportunities could this course lead to?
FE Courses: Art Foundation [required by many HE design courses].

HE Courses: BA Product Design; BA Graphic Design, B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering.

Careers: product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, graphic design, landscape design, teaching.

Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable