Product Design 3D

A level | AQA

Product Design 3D Design is closely related to GCSE Engineering and the new GCSE Technology course which covers wood, metal and plastics and paper, card and board. Students following this route should have a strong interest in general product design as during the course students will have the opportunity to produce fully functional, creatively designed products using a range of materials. Products produced in previous years include lighting, jewellery, furniture and more engineering based challenges such as a fresh spice dispenser. Students also have the opportunity to be experimental and design products which, at present, do not exist – for example, holographic glasses and smart computers that fit the human body.

Progression Opportunities

The broad nature of the specification enables students to follow a diverse range of career paths. Coursework projects could be tailored to meet a particular interest that a student might have. Example careers include: Product/Industrial Design, 3D Design, Furniture Design, Jewellery Design, Automotive Design, Interior/Set Design, Architecture, Engineering, Manufacturing, Aeronautical Design. Previous students have gone directly to degree courses or on to follow a Foundation Course at local colleges.

Subject Visits and Enrichment Opportunities

Visits are planned to the Design Museum and Science Museum. Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 in either Technology or Engineering • Grade 4 in English • Grade 4 in Maths

Assessment Overview

Assessment is a combination of two exam papers and a design and make project

Paper 1 Written exam: 2.5 hours, 120 marks, 30% of A level • Technical principles Questions: • Mixture of short answer and extended response

Paper 2 Written exam: 1.5 hours, 80 marks, 20% of A level • Designing and making principles Questions: • Mixture of short answer and extended response questions Section A: • Product Analysis: 30 marks • Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)

Section B: • Commercial manufacture: 50 marks • Mixture of short and extended response questions

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) Substantial design and make project, 100 marks, 50% of A level • Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles

Evidence Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype