The Design and Technology A-level builds on the experience of GCSE and allows students to further their studies through Product Design. We will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on Design Technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put the learning into practice by producing artefacts. 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, especially those in the creative industries. The course is closely linked to the real world of product/system manufacture whilst offering opportunities to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the world of designing and making. Students will develop an awareness of the responsibilities that designers and technologists have and the potential that exists to change and shape lives.
Ideally students should have studied Design and Technology at GCSE but this is not necessarily essential; those who have Design and Technology GCSE should have achieved at least a grade 7. GCSE studies give students an basic knowledge of the core elements required for A-level and, although they are taught again in more detail during the Lower Sixth, workloads will be increased. IT skills, an interest in working practically with materials and a creative mind are also deemed essential. In addition to this, students are expected to have achieved at least a grade 6 in English Language GCSE, as there are many written elements to the course and the exams feature longer response style questions, and at least a grade 6 in Maths GCSE as students are expected to demonstrate their application of knowledge, understanding and skills of Maths (and Science) both theoretically and practically.
Paper 1 Written Paper: Technical Principles • Materials, performance characteristics and their applications • Material manufacturing processes • Health and safety, modern and industrial commercial practice • Digital design and manufacture, the use of computer systems • Product design and development, inclusive design • Enterprise and marketing, intellectual property Paper 2 Written Paper: Designing and Making Principles • Design history: technological developments, socio-economic influences • Design theory: design styles, movements and work of designers • The design process: product life cycles, prototype development and third party testing – industrial and commercial contexts • Social, cultural, moral and ethical issues affecting designers • Responsible design: sustainability and environmental issues NEA Non-Exam Assessment • Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | West Sussex |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £31,800 - £34,275 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £10,200 - £26,400 |
| Address | College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9JS |
The Design and Technology A-level builds on the experience of GCSE and allows students to further their studies through Product Design. We will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on Design Technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put the learning into practice by producing artefacts. 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, especially those in the creative industries. The course is closely linked to the real world of product/system manufacture whilst offering opportunities to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the world of designing and making. Students will develop an awareness of the responsibilities that designers and technologists have and the potential that exists to change and shape lives.
Ideally students should have studied Design and Technology at GCSE but this is not necessarily essential; those who have Design and Technology GCSE should have achieved at least a grade 7. GCSE studies give students an basic knowledge of the core elements required for A-level and, although they are taught again in more detail during the Lower Sixth, workloads will be increased. IT skills, an interest in working practically with materials and a creative mind are also deemed essential. In addition to this, students are expected to have achieved at least a grade 6 in English Language GCSE, as there are many written elements to the course and the exams feature longer response style questions, and at least a grade 6 in Maths GCSE as students are expected to demonstrate their application of knowledge, understanding and skills of Maths (and Science) both theoretically and practically.
Paper 1 Written Paper: Technical Principles • Materials, performance characteristics and their applications • Material manufacturing processes • Health and safety, modern and industrial commercial practice • Digital design and manufacture, the use of computer systems • Product design and development, inclusive design • Enterprise and marketing, intellectual property Paper 2 Written Paper: Designing and Making Principles • Design history: technological developments, socio-economic influences • Design theory: design styles, movements and work of designers • The design process: product life cycles, prototype development and third party testing – industrial and commercial contexts • Social, cultural, moral and ethical issues affecting designers • Responsible design: sustainability and environmental issues NEA Non-Exam Assessment • Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.