Overview
This creative and engaging qualification develops practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence, preparing students for careers in the creative industries.
Students explore historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design while creating their own prototypes, gaining a clear understanding of what it means to be a designer and the skills valued by higher education and employers.
Entry requirements
5 in Maths and 5 in Product Design, DEC, Art or Merit at Level 2 Designing the Built Environment.
Course content
Product Design combines practical and theoretical study, developing pupils’ skills and knowledge in design and technology. The course covers:
Technical Principles – including materials and their applications, finishes, industrial practice, health and safety, intellectual property, and design for manufacture, maintenance and disposal.
Designing and Making Principles – including design methods, theory, product life cycle, critical analysis, responsible design, project management, and international standards.
Students gain hands-on experience while developing the understanding needed for higher education and creative industries.
Trips, visits and extra-curricular
Students will visit the Design Museum in London for a workshop and the Young Designers exhibition. In Year 12, they will attend the Product Design degree show at Sheffield Hallam University to support future study choices. Sheffield’s strong design and manufacturing heritage provides additional opportunities for work experience and industry visits through our established links with local companies.
Assessment
Technical Principles – 2 hour 30 min written exam, 120 marks, 30% of A Level
Designing and Making Principles – 1 hour 30 min written exam, 80 marks, 20% of A Level
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) – Substantial design and make project, 100 marks, 50% of A Level
Exam board
AQA