The world we live in is becoming steadily more complex and technologically advanced. Users increasingly demand that everyday products be attractive and easy to use. The role of the product designer is gaining increasing importance as innovation and new technologies become more significant in the design process. A-level product design looks at the transformation of ideas into successful products matched to the needs of the user and the market place. You will analyse a range of commercial products during the course and comment on their aesthetics, functionality, ease of use and how well they perform their intended role. Product design at Balcarras closely follows the work undertaken in product design courses at university.The coursework component will give you the opportunity to use your creativity and imagination to design and manufacture solutions to problems that you have identified, problems that have not already been solved countless times by others. It is important to emphasise that you will not only be judged by the finished results but also by how you respond to the design process. In addition to developing your designing and making skills, you will begin to consider the role and responsibilities of the professional product designer. This will involve developing an understanding of customer needs, concept generation and design for manufacture, both at an industrial level and within the school workshop. During the course you will consider contemporary and developing technologies and materials, and how they impact on the products we use everyday. The professional product designer works closely with industry and with the market and must be well acquainted with industrial working methods, the course is therefore multi-disciplinary - both artistic and technical in character.
The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature. Students should, ideally, have achieved a grade 6, or higher, at GCSE-level in a technology course. However, students with a grade 5, or who may not have studied a technology subject at Key Stage 4, may be considered on an individual basis.
Paper 1: Written paper 2.5 hrs 30% of A-level Paper 2: Written paper 1.5 hrs 20% of A-level Non examined assessment (NEA) 45 hrs 50% of A-level
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Gloucestershire |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | East End Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8QF |
The world we live in is becoming steadily more complex and technologically advanced. Users increasingly demand that everyday products be attractive and easy to use. The role of the product designer is gaining increasing importance as innovation and new technologies become more significant in the design process. A-level product design looks at the transformation of ideas into successful products matched to the needs of the user and the market place. You will analyse a range of commercial products during the course and comment on their aesthetics, functionality, ease of use and how well they perform their intended role. Product design at Balcarras closely follows the work undertaken in product design courses at university.The coursework component will give you the opportunity to use your creativity and imagination to design and manufacture solutions to problems that you have identified, problems that have not already been solved countless times by others. It is important to emphasise that you will not only be judged by the finished results but also by how you respond to the design process. In addition to developing your designing and making skills, you will begin to consider the role and responsibilities of the professional product designer. This will involve developing an understanding of customer needs, concept generation and design for manufacture, both at an industrial level and within the school workshop. During the course you will consider contemporary and developing technologies and materials, and how they impact on the products we use everyday. The professional product designer works closely with industry and with the market and must be well acquainted with industrial working methods, the course is therefore multi-disciplinary - both artistic and technical in character.
The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature. Students should, ideally, have achieved a grade 6, or higher, at GCSE-level in a technology course. However, students with a grade 5, or who may not have studied a technology subject at Key Stage 4, may be considered on an individual basis.
Paper 1: Written paper 2.5 hrs 30% of A-level Paper 2: Written paper 1.5 hrs 20% of A-level Non examined assessment (NEA) 45 hrs 50% of A-level