Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

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