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 and 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. There are clear links between aspects of the specification content and other subject areas such as Computer Science (‘The use of computer systems’ and ‘Digital design and manufacture’); Business Studies (‘Enterprise and marketing in the development of products’); Art and Design (‘Design communication’) and History (‘Design Theory’). Students must also demonstrate maths and science skills through their written papers and their non-exam assessment. This is not an exhaustive list, and there are other opportunities within the specification for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A-level Design and Technology.
Ideally students should have studied Design and Technology at GCSE (grade 6) but this is not necessarily essential. GCSE studies give students a basic knowledge of the core elements required for Advanced Level and, although they are taught again in more detail during the Lower Sixth, workloads may be increased. Information Technology skills, an interest in working practically with materials and a creative mind are also deemed essential. The exams feature longer response style questions, and at least a grade 6 in Maths GCSE is vital as students are expected to demonstrate their application of knowledge, understanding and skills of Maths (and Science) both theoretically and practically
The course is made up of three units: two exam papers and a non-exam assessment. The course contains two main practical projects in the Lower Sixth and a major project, the NEA, on a design context of the student’s choosing in the Upper Sixth.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £32,250 - £44,685 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £21,795 |
| Address | East Hill, Ashford, TN24 8PB |
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 and 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. There are clear links between aspects of the specification content and other subject areas such as Computer Science (‘The use of computer systems’ and ‘Digital design and manufacture’); Business Studies (‘Enterprise and marketing in the development of products’); Art and Design (‘Design communication’) and History (‘Design Theory’). Students must also demonstrate maths and science skills through their written papers and their non-exam assessment. This is not an exhaustive list, and there are other opportunities within the specification for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A-level Design and Technology.
Ideally students should have studied Design and Technology at GCSE (grade 6) but this is not necessarily essential. GCSE studies give students a basic knowledge of the core elements required for Advanced Level and, although they are taught again in more detail during the Lower Sixth, workloads may be increased. Information Technology skills, an interest in working practically with materials and a creative mind are also deemed essential. The exams feature longer response style questions, and at least a grade 6 in Maths GCSE is vital as students are expected to demonstrate their application of knowledge, understanding and skills of Maths (and Science) both theoretically and practically
The course is made up of three units: two exam papers and a non-exam assessment. The course contains two main practical projects in the Lower Sixth and a major project, the NEA, on a design context of the student’s choosing in the Upper Sixth.