Product Design

Exam Board: AQA

Head of Subject: Mrs V Kennedy

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 GCSE Product Design or equivalent.

What will you learn in Year12?

In Year 12, you will focus on developing an understanding of iterative and user centred design by completing a range of practical based projects. You will work through each stage of the design process, in order to make a fully working prototype. You will also have to select a client and work closely with their requirements in order to develop and refine a suitable product for them. The theory is split into two sections 3.1 Technical principles, and 3.2 Designing and making principles. Theory on both these sections will be delivered throughout Year 12. Where possible practical based projects will be linked directly to theory elements of the course. In the summer term you will begin to select your own design context for your NEA, identify a user, begin to produce research, and generate a range of design ideas.

Which modules will you take?

NEA (Non Exam Assessment):

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles (50%). Paper 1: Technical principles (30%).

Paper 2: Designing and making principles (20%).

What will you learn in Year13?

In Year 13 you will focus on developing a fully working prototype that tests can be performed on as part of your NEA. This will include the use of CAD/CAM where possible. As part of your Year 13 studies you will continue to cover theory on technical principles and designing and making principles.

Where will this course lead?

Product Design can lead to a range of careers including Architecture, Jewellery design, Product design, Materials engineering, Furniture design, Set design and any other design related field. We live in a world that is forever changing and growing that requires young designers to come up with new and innovative concepts to solve problems.

A Level Product Design goes into great detail from a scientific perspective so is an excellent qualification to select if you are considering studying some form of Design or Engineering.