Course outline The Design and Technology: Product Design A Level gives candidates opportunities to analyse existing products and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding to the designing and making of their own product concepts. They look at the work and responsibilities of designers and manufacturers and are expected to develop an awareness of the wider issues associated with product development. The course allows considerable flexibility for highly motivated students and is suitable for candidates that have successfully completed a GCSE in Design and Technology, Graphics Design or Textiles. It is also very important to have good maths skills to cope with the demand of the 15% maths element. Theory and workshop sessions at the beginning of the course focus on topics that support the development of key technological concepts, with development of skills in communication and model making. Theory lessons run in conjunction with practical projects, to deliver the knowledge and understanding needed for the 2 examinations and non-examined assessment elements. Lesson structure and expectations The course has been designed to encourage students to: • Initiate design solutions, develop, test and trial working models and prototypes, • Develop and sustain imagination, innovation and flair when working with concepts and materials. • Develop an understanding of contemporary design and technological practices and consider the uses and effects of new technologies and modern materials, • Develop thinking skills and the marketability of products in collaboration with external stakeholders. Course requirements A grade 5 in a Design and Technology GCSE subject, as well as a grade 4 in Mathematics and English. Next steps Students with successful completion go onto college and university courses in product or automotive design, furniture design and marketing, to name a few. Those with a more mathematical or scientific preference can go into structural or aeronautical engineering or applied sciences. In recent years, students have pursued further education in design, engineering and marketing. These include successful careers at Mercedes Formula 1, and designers at Jaguar Land Rover and major design firms in London.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2NU |
Course outline The Design and Technology: Product Design A Level gives candidates opportunities to analyse existing products and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding to the designing and making of their own product concepts. They look at the work and responsibilities of designers and manufacturers and are expected to develop an awareness of the wider issues associated with product development. The course allows considerable flexibility for highly motivated students and is suitable for candidates that have successfully completed a GCSE in Design and Technology, Graphics Design or Textiles. It is also very important to have good maths skills to cope with the demand of the 15% maths element. Theory and workshop sessions at the beginning of the course focus on topics that support the development of key technological concepts, with development of skills in communication and model making. Theory lessons run in conjunction with practical projects, to deliver the knowledge and understanding needed for the 2 examinations and non-examined assessment elements. Lesson structure and expectations The course has been designed to encourage students to: • Initiate design solutions, develop, test and trial working models and prototypes, • Develop and sustain imagination, innovation and flair when working with concepts and materials. • Develop an understanding of contemporary design and technological practices and consider the uses and effects of new technologies and modern materials, • Develop thinking skills and the marketability of products in collaboration with external stakeholders. Course requirements A grade 5 in a Design and Technology GCSE subject, as well as a grade 4 in Mathematics and English. Next steps Students with successful completion go onto college and university courses in product or automotive design, furniture design and marketing, to name a few. Those with a more mathematical or scientific preference can go into structural or aeronautical engineering or applied sciences. In recent years, students have pursued further education in design, engineering and marketing. These include successful careers at Mercedes Formula 1, and designers at Jaguar Land Rover and major design firms in London.