Design & Technology: Product Design

LINEAR A-LEVEL

If you want to demonstrate to universities and future employers that you can perform in a creative problem-solving environment, work to deadlines and industry standards, communicate your ideas using a full range of IT and presentation packages, think laterally, use analytical skills and be part of a cutting-edge subject... why not study Product Design? The Product Design course is designed to offer candidates the opportunity to study, propose and realise prototype solutions closely linked to the real world of product manufacture in a range of material areas. Recognising the routes that are pursued at GCSE, the course provides candidates the opportunity to continue their studies. You can specialize in either Resistant Materials or Graphics as your main material, but the format of the design folders and examinations remain the same.

The course is designed to encourage candidates 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, financial capability, enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.

The Edexcel Linear Advanced GCE in Design and Technology (Product Design) consists of one externally examined paper and one non-examined assessment component. Students must complete all assessment in May/June of the second year of study.

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 50% of the qualification

Assessment overview

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

Content overview

• Students individually and/or in consultation with a client/end user identify a problem and design context. • Students will develop a range of potential solutions which include the use of computer aided design and evidence of modelling. • Students will be expected to make decisions about the designing and development of the prototype in conjunction with the opinions of the client/end user. • Students will realise one potential solution through practical making activities with evidence of project management and plan for production. • Students will incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype may have on the environment • Students are expected to analyse and evaluate of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.

Exam Board - EDEXCEL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students should have undertaken a design-based subject at GCSE and obtained at least a grade 6.