Examining Board – AQA

Design & Technology offers you the exciting opportunity to develop modern technological skills through the design and manufacture of high quality products.You gain great personal satisfaction from developing your own ideas into real products and will be inspired by working with a range of materials of your choice.

Methods of Study

Study methods revolve around a basic hands on approach, where students work on individual and group design and manufacturing assignments. Students develop their skills through a range of teaching strategies which include the use of computer aided design, workshop manufacturing exercises, high level graphic tasks and the use of a range of ICT applications including web research. Students will participate in group and course tutor discussion topics, presentation of work and written assignments.

Theoretical knowledge is delivered through dedicated lessons and a range of research projects.

The 3D product design course requires you to think creatively and develops your ability to resolve design problems. Much of the work is undertaken in a manufacturing and graphics studio where you are guided through a number of design and make tasks.

Methods of Assessment

AS Level

Unit 1 PROD1 Materials, Components and Application

• 50% of AS, 25% of A level
• 2 hour written paper
• 80 marks

Unit 2 PROD2 Learning through designing and making

• 50% of AS, 25% of A Level
• Coursework – approx 50 hours
• 80 marks
• Written or electronic design portfolio Manufactured outcomes

A2 Level

Unit 3 – PROD3 Design and manufacture

• 25% of A Level
• 2 hour written paper
• 84 marks

Unit 4 PROD Design and Making Practice

• 25% of A Level
• Coursework – approx 60 hours
• 85 marks
• Written or electronic design folder Manufactured outcome

Entry Requirements

You should have a GCSE in Technology at grade B or above.