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Inspiring Young People

Product Design

Course Overview

A Level Product Design develops the students' skills in creative and innovative thinking and problem solving, Through practical coursework, Design and Make tasks and the study of materials and manufacturing processes, this enables students to relate this to how the products would be commercially manufactured.

Entry Requirements

If  GCSE Design and Technology was studied ay GCSE then a minimum grade 6 is required. Where this subject was not taken, a grade 6 in Art & Design  would be acceptable or an aptitude for other STEM subjects.

As 15% of the assessment is of a mathematical nature at least a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics is highly recommended.

A Level Topics and Assessment

This course is a linear course with all assessment taking place at the end of Year 13.

There are 3 components to the assessment:

1. Paper 1: Technical Principles. A 2h 30 minute examination  consisting of a mixture of short and extended response  questions. (18% Mathematics).

2.Paper 2 Designing and Making Principles. A 1h 30 minute examination also consisting of short and extended responses, Product Analysis and questions on Commercial Manufacturing (12% Mathematics).

3.  Non-Examined Assessment (NEA). A substantial design and make task consisting of a design portfolio and a Student manufactured prototype product.

AQA 

Paper 1

Paper 2

Non examined assessment

Length 

Written Examination

2 hours 30 minutes

Written Examination

1  hours 30 minutes

Project 45+ hours

Weighting 

30% of A Level

20% of A Level

50% of A Level

Beyond the Classroom and Future Prospects

In Year 12, students produce a fully functional prototype of a product aimed at the less able, however in Year 13, students choose their own project. This project should relate to students' career aspirations and this allows them to immerse themselves in the sectors they wish to enter after completing their A Levels.
 
Product Design students will enjoy a range of subject-specific visits during the course, particularly those that relate to their own projects. Product Design leads directly to degree courses in 3D Design, Product Design and Industrial Design. It also provides an excellent qualification that is favoured by admission tutors in all engineering disciplines, construction, architecture, planning and many other manufacturing and production focused courses. 

Student Experience

Product Design is a subject I really enjoyed because I was able to develop a wide range of new skills using different materials and design a variety of products using both traditional and new technologies.