Why study A level product design?
Design and technology product design will enable you to use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively to develop and refine ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners as well as gaining an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries. You will also further develop an indepth knowledge and understanding of tools, materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.
Level: A level
Board: Pearson/Edexcel
Head of department:
Mrs H O’Hara
Entry requirement: Level 2 merit in engineering or grade 5 GCSE design and technology; five grade 5s at GCSE including English and maths
How will A level product design be delivered?
| Year | Topic | Content |
| 12 | Materials and their applications | Understand properties, processing, and uses of materials including woods, metals, polymers, and composites |
| Performance characteristics of materials | Learn how materials behave under different conditions and how to select for purpose | |
| Processes and manufacture | Explore industrial and commercial manufacturing processes | |
| Design thinking and communication | Develop visual communication skills and understand the design process | |
| Modern manufacturing systems | Introduction to CAD/CAM, smart materials, and sustainability in design | |
| 13 | Design communication and critical thinking | Analyse real-world design scenarios, problem solving, and user-centered design |
| Design for manufacture and project management | Plan and manage design processes from concept to realisation | |
| Non-examined assessment (NEA) – independent design project | A substantial practical project with a design portfolio and final product/prototype |
Assessment
| Component | Details |
| Paper 1: principles of design and technology | Two-hour written exam (50%) |
| Materials, processes, digital technologies, and design theory | |
| NEA: independent design and make project | Coursework (50%) |
| Students identify a real-world need, research, develop, and produce a final design with portfolio evidence |
