Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

This course is examined at the end of Year 13 and on the NEA (Non Exam Assessment) portfolio. This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by undertaking their own iterative design process and by producing prototypes of their choice as part of the NEA. Theory topics are as follows: Units 1-4: Performance characteristics of papers and boards, polymers, woods and metals; Unit 5: Composite, smart and modern materials; Units 6-9: Processing and working with papers and boards, polymers, woods and metals; Unit 10: Modern industrial and commercial practice Unit 11: Product design considerations Unit 12: Product design & development Unit 13: Design methods Unit 14: Design processes Unit 15: Responsible Design Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.