AS/A2 Design and Technology

A Level

In Cambridge

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Cambridge

  • Duration

    2 Years

AS/A2. Design and Technology studies the design, manufacture and evaluation of the buildings we live in, the clothes we wear, the products we interact with and the tools we use. At AS level all students follow the same design studies course leading up to a common exam in June but you will need to choose one of the three focus areas for your design and make coursework: Architecture students.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Cambridge (Cambridgeshire )
See map
Long Road, CB2 8PX

Start date

On request

About this course

:
Five Grade Cs at GCSE in appropriate subjects including Maths or English. You do not need to have studied Design and Technology at GCSE, although this course builds on that work.

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Course programme


AS/A2 Design and Technology
AS/A2

Design and Technology studies the design, manufacture and evaluation of the buildings we live in, the clothes we wear, the products we interact with and the tools we use.

At AS level all students follow the same design studies course leading up to a common exam in June but you will need to choose one of the three focus areas for your design and make coursework:

Architecture students will focus on buildings and the built environment with an emphasis on researching specific local needs and suitable sites before designing and modeling your ideas. An example may be a house designed for a dancer, or a recreational centre for Long Road students.

Resistant Materials students will research and analyse High Street product ranges before designing and making smaller, usable personal products such as lighting, jewellery, toys or storage systems from materials such as wood, metals and plastics.

Textile students will research and analyse a range of textile products, experimenting with a variety of practical textile techniques and procedures before applying this to designing and making a wearable garment at a standard suitable for a High Street store.

In each of these areas we have well-established links with local retailers (e.g. Habitat and Mayhem) and designers to help you attain a high standard in your design and manufacture.

AS Course Content
The AS course comprises two modules:
1. Product Design
This will cover design and innovation, product analysis, materials and components, and industrial and commercial practice.
Assessment: two-hour examination paper (40%)
2. Design and Make Task (approximately 60 hours)
You will work on and submit one Design and Make task.
Assessment: coursework. This component is marked by the centre and externally moderated (60%)

A2 Course Content
The A2 course comprises a further two modules:
3. Product Design
This will cover designing and innovation; product analysis; human responsibility; public interaction; materials and components; industrial and commercial practice; processes and production systems and control.
Assessment: 2½ examination (40%)
4. Major Project (approximately 60 hours)

You will undertake a single substantial project from a choice of eight given themes (although you may also submit your own proposals for approval). The project requires you to demonstrate the integration of designing and making skills and knowledge with understanding.
Assessment: practical. This component is marked by the centre and externally moderated (60%)

Is Design and Technology for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from Design and Technology if you:


  • are interested in the way things work and how they are designed;
  • would like to use a wider range of techniques including IT (CADCAM) on design projects;
  • are interested in practical work as well as theory;
  • would like to develop your critical thinking and to see the relationships between designer, manufacturer and user;
  • are willing to carry out independent investigative research, including using the internet, and are confident about writing essays.

A course in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity for you to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems in a wide range of contexts relating to your personal interests.

Design and Technology and your future
Studying Design and Technology at this level can lead to further studies with possible careers in architecture, graphic design, furniture and product design, textiles, fashion design and engineering.

You may also go directly into employment. Design and Technology combines well with Mathematics, Physics or Art and Design.

AS/A2 Design and Technology

Price on request