Much of the subject content is covered through project work, reinforced by industrial visits and online support material. The emphasis will be on the solution of design and technology-based problems using appropriate communication, practical, and design skills. Opportunities will be provided for students to develop their personal interests and abilities, particularly when choosing their project for Unit 4. Past examples include: ● Bike maintenance unit ● Music stand ● Aids for the elderly and disabled ● Rugby training apparatus 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 as set out below. These have been separated into: Core technical principles: Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications. They must also be able to explain in detail why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications with reference to: ● Physical and mechanical properties ● Product function ● Aesthetics ● Cost ● Manufacture and disposal ● Practical methods for investigating and testing material properties to assess their suitability for a range of uses ● Testing and comparing mechanical material properties Core designing and making principles: ● Product development and improvement ● Inclusive design ● Ergonomics and anthropometrics ● Meeting design criteria ● Functionality ● Aesthetics ● Fitness for purpose ● Target market user ● Accurate and efficient manufacture ● Design illustration and communication ● Design methods and practices ● Critical analysis and evaluation ● Selecting appropriate tools, techniques, and processes ● Accuracy in design and manufacture ● Responsible design Additional specialist knowledge: ● Performance characteristics of materials, ● Woods and wood-based materials ● Polymers ● Metals ● Composite materials ● Modern and smart materials ● Adhesives
Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4-9 (A*-C). This must include at least four full course GCSEs. Grade 5 in a technology subject or Grade 5 in Art.
Paper 1 (2 hours, 25% of A-level) Core technical principles and core designing and making principles. The paper is made up of a mixture of multiple-choice, short answer and extended-response questions. Paper 2 (2 hours, 25% of A-level) A mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions. Section A Product analysis - Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s). Section B Commercial manufacture - A mixture of short and extended response questions. Non-exam assessment (45hrs, 50% A-level) Practical application of technical principles, design and making principles, and specialist knowledge. Substantial design and task. 45 hours (100 marks, 50% of A-level). Evidence - Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of the final prototype.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Cheshire East |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Holly Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1LZ |
Much of the subject content is covered through project work, reinforced by industrial visits and online support material. The emphasis will be on the solution of design and technology-based problems using appropriate communication, practical, and design skills. Opportunities will be provided for students to develop their personal interests and abilities, particularly when choosing their project for Unit 4. Past examples include: ● Bike maintenance unit ● Music stand ● Aids for the elderly and disabled ● Rugby training apparatus 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 as set out below. These have been separated into: Core technical principles: Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications. They must also be able to explain in detail why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications with reference to: ● Physical and mechanical properties ● Product function ● Aesthetics ● Cost ● Manufacture and disposal ● Practical methods for investigating and testing material properties to assess their suitability for a range of uses ● Testing and comparing mechanical material properties Core designing and making principles: ● Product development and improvement ● Inclusive design ● Ergonomics and anthropometrics ● Meeting design criteria ● Functionality ● Aesthetics ● Fitness for purpose ● Target market user ● Accurate and efficient manufacture ● Design illustration and communication ● Design methods and practices ● Critical analysis and evaluation ● Selecting appropriate tools, techniques, and processes ● Accuracy in design and manufacture ● Responsible design Additional specialist knowledge: ● Performance characteristics of materials, ● Woods and wood-based materials ● Polymers ● Metals ● Composite materials ● Modern and smart materials ● Adhesives
Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4-9 (A*-C). This must include at least four full course GCSEs. Grade 5 in a technology subject or Grade 5 in Art.
Paper 1 (2 hours, 25% of A-level) Core technical principles and core designing and making principles. The paper is made up of a mixture of multiple-choice, short answer and extended-response questions. Paper 2 (2 hours, 25% of A-level) A mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions. Section A Product analysis - Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s). Section B Commercial manufacture - A mixture of short and extended response questions. Non-exam assessment (45hrs, 50% A-level) Practical application of technical principles, design and making principles, and specialist knowledge. Substantial design and task. 45 hours (100 marks, 50% of A-level). Evidence - Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of the final prototype.