Through a practical design and make project students have the opportunity to investigate a context or solve a design problem. They are encouraged to think creatively and to learn and demonstrate skill and knowledge across a range of materials and techniques in order to make products that are relevant in the 21st Century. The course teaches students to be creative problem solvers. Researching, designing, making and presentation of concepts are key components of a successful portfolio. Rigorous understanding of technical principles, designing and making principles and the ability to analyse and evaluate design decisions are taught through both the practical and examined aspect of the course. AS (Year 12) Component 1: A single 2.5hr examination that assesses technical, designing and making principles. Externally assessed. Component 2: NEA (Design and make project). Students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills. Based on a theme set by the exam board, students will produce a digital portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making a product(s). A Level (Year 13) Component 1: Two separate examinations. Paper1: Assesses Technical Principles (2.5hrs) Paper 2: Assesses Product Analysis and Commercial Manufacture (1.5hrs) Component 2: NEA (Design and make project) Students choose their own client and brief, and produce a substantial design and make project. Through this portfolio they demonstrate their ability to understand and research a brief, generate and model design solutions and produce a high quality finished product. In order to reach high attainment levels, students must adopt a commercial design approach to their work, reflecting how a professional designer might deal with a design problem and its resolution. A key feature of the A Level is that students are able to work closely with a client to identify a need and produce a design brief. Through extensive research, designing and testing candidates use an iterative design approach in order to produce a final product that fulfils their design criteria and the needs of the user. Other skills developed The course is essentially practical in nature; students enhance their knowledge and understanding by finding the solution to practical problems arising from everyday life and commercial contexts. Students develop and sustain their own innovation, creativity and technological capability to produce high quality products. They develop an awareness and understanding of product design and technological activity from a historical perspective and in current practice, gaining essential knowledge of production and industrial practices by studying those who work in the world of design. Students are encouraged to work closely with a client and use an interactive design approach in order to meet their design needs. Students use ICT to enhance their design and technology capability, and they develop evaluation skills in order to become informed and discerning consumers. Career value The course provides skills and knowledge relevant to those who are interested in working in the field of design, particularly product design, graphic design, three dimensional design, industrial design, furniture design, architecture and engineering. It provides a sound basis for further study in Design and Technology. Students develop skills that contribute to a comprehensive portfolio of work. Many students have used their portfolios to successfully apply to Art Foundation courses.