This subject is offered as an A Level course. The course is focused on consumer products and applications; and their analysis in respect of materials, components, and marketability. In Product Design, materials, and components are studied from the perspective of analyzing modern consumer products that are designed to meet identified consumer needs, their design, and manufacture. During this course, you will build upon and develop your knowledge and understanding from GCSE whilst also having the freedom to focus in more depth on areas of design and technology that most interest you. During the two-year course, you will study a range of materials including timbers, metals, plastics and paper boards. You will develop a technical understanding of how products function and how they are made to appropriately support the design and manufacture of your own design solutions. You will learn about wider design principles and the effect of design on users and the world we live in. You will identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes/ products. You will develop your subject knowledge, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realization, and commercial manufacture. This subject also requires you to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must have a grade 5 in GCSE Design & Technology, or a similar course. It is essential to have a good working knowledge of mathematics to understand aspects of the course you will have passed GCSE at the Higher Tier level in Mathematics, with a minimum grade 5 required, although grade 6 would be preferred.
Component 1: Principles of Product Design Weighting: 26.7% of A Level Exam - 1 hour 30 min The ‘Principles’ examination paper is worth 26.7% (80 marks) of the A-level qualification and assesses analysis of existing products, technical knowledge and understanding of materials, mathematics skills, product functionality, manufacturing processes, and techniques. Component 2: Problem-Solving Weighting: 23.3% of A Level Exam – 1 hour 45 min The ‘Problem Solving’ paper is worth 23.3% (70 marks) of the A Level qualification and requires learners to apply their knowledge and understanding through higher level thinking skills, reflecting on the viability of products and possible design solutions. Component 3: Iterative Design Project Weighting: 50% of A Level In Year 13 you will commence a non-examined ‘Iterative Design Project’, a substantial design, make, and evaluate project centered on the iterative processes of exploring, creating, and evaluating. It is worth 50% of the A Level qualification. You will be required to identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of your own choice and create a chronological portfolio supported by real–time evidence of your project development. Innovative approaches will be required resulting in a final prototype that can be tested against the user and the market. In the first year of this course, you will take part in a range of design and make activities and projects to build on your designing and manufacturing skills in preparation for your A Level coursework project which commences following the Easter holidays in Year 12.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Cheshire West and Chester |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | 164 Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 6EA |
This subject is offered as an A Level course. The course is focused on consumer products and applications; and their analysis in respect of materials, components, and marketability. In Product Design, materials, and components are studied from the perspective of analyzing modern consumer products that are designed to meet identified consumer needs, their design, and manufacture. During this course, you will build upon and develop your knowledge and understanding from GCSE whilst also having the freedom to focus in more depth on areas of design and technology that most interest you. During the two-year course, you will study a range of materials including timbers, metals, plastics and paper boards. You will develop a technical understanding of how products function and how they are made to appropriately support the design and manufacture of your own design solutions. You will learn about wider design principles and the effect of design on users and the world we live in. You will identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes/ products. You will develop your subject knowledge, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realization, and commercial manufacture. This subject also requires you to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must have a grade 5 in GCSE Design & Technology, or a similar course. It is essential to have a good working knowledge of mathematics to understand aspects of the course you will have passed GCSE at the Higher Tier level in Mathematics, with a minimum grade 5 required, although grade 6 would be preferred.
Component 1: Principles of Product Design Weighting: 26.7% of A Level Exam - 1 hour 30 min The ‘Principles’ examination paper is worth 26.7% (80 marks) of the A-level qualification and assesses analysis of existing products, technical knowledge and understanding of materials, mathematics skills, product functionality, manufacturing processes, and techniques. Component 2: Problem-Solving Weighting: 23.3% of A Level Exam – 1 hour 45 min The ‘Problem Solving’ paper is worth 23.3% (70 marks) of the A Level qualification and requires learners to apply their knowledge and understanding through higher level thinking skills, reflecting on the viability of products and possible design solutions. Component 3: Iterative Design Project Weighting: 50% of A Level In Year 13 you will commence a non-examined ‘Iterative Design Project’, a substantial design, make, and evaluate project centered on the iterative processes of exploring, creating, and evaluating. It is worth 50% of the A Level qualification. You will be required to identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of your own choice and create a chronological portfolio supported by real–time evidence of your project development. Innovative approaches will be required resulting in a final prototype that can be tested against the user and the market. In the first year of this course, you will take part in a range of design and make activities and projects to build on your designing and manufacturing skills in preparation for your A Level coursework project which commences following the Easter holidays in Year 12.