The department consistently produces high grades at A Level. Design & Technology at Saint Ambrose College prepares students to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. Creative thinking encourages them to make positive changes to their quality of life; the subject encourages young people to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Our students are provided with the opportunity to learn and utilize industry-standard CAD packages to design and make a variety of products including a program called Solid Works that enables students to output their designs to our 3D printers and CNC milling machines. We are very fortunate to also have two Laser Cutters/Engravers and a Vinyl Cutter to enhance and promote design work of the highest quality. In addition to the state-of-the-art CAD-CAM equipment we also have a very well-stocked traditional workshop with a wide range of high-quality tools and machinery for students to use. Students are provided with ample opportunities to explore and develop their design and make skills, ready for university. A Level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge. These have been separated into: • Technical Principles • Designing and Making Principles Imaginative practical work is at the heart of the subject. Students will develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products through a series of designing and making projects. They will explore, design, create, and evaluate innovative solutions in response to realistic design contexts. 50% were assessed by two written exams (maths and science contribute 15%) and 50% by non-examined assessment (NEA). The NEA consists of a single design and make activity. A-level students are free to choose their own design context and brief for their NEA final project.