Design and Technology (Product Design)

Assessment

The A level is assessed in two ways: Component 1 is a written examination and Component 2 is a Design and Make project and portfolio. Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 120 marks The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as extended-writing questions focused on: - analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, against a technical principle, for prototypes made by others - analysis and evaluation of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts. Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project Non-examined assessment 50% of the qualification 120 marks The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated. Pupils will produce a substantial design, make and evaluate project which consists of a portfolio and a prototype The portfolio will contain approximately 40 sides of A3 paper (or electronic equivalent) There are four parts to the assessment: Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design Identification and investigation of a design possibility, investigation of client/end user needs, wants and values, research and production of a specification Part 2: Designing a prototype Design ideas, development of design idea, final design solution, review of development and final design and communication of design ideas Part 3: Making a final prototype Design, manufacture and realisation of a final prototype, including tools and equipment and quality and accuracy Part 4: Evaluating own design and prototype Testing and evaluation