Examining Board – AQA

Subject Content

During the course you will gain a deep understanding of the relationship between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Over the 2 years ther’s a mix of classroom learning and practical learning - by - doing! In AS you will study materials and components, market influences and manufacturing processes. Practical work will include designing, making and developing a product. In A2 you will continue to learn about manufacturing through marketing whilst the practical sessions give you more experience at creating and testing new food ideas.

Methods of Study

The AS specification has 2 units:

• Unit 1: Materials and Components
• Unit 2: Coursework

Written (or electronic) design portfolio. 
Revised Candidate Record Form and manufactured outcome(s). 
Coursework may take a number of forms; a single design-and-make project, two smaller projects and/or a portfolio of work.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

• Unit 3: Design and Manufacture
• Unit 4: Coursework

Written (or electronic) design folder.
Revised Candidate Record Form and manufactured outcome(s).
Candidates submit evidence of a single, substantial designing and making activity.

Methods of Assessment

AS Level

Unit 1: Materials and Components

• Written Exam: 2 hours
• Weighting: 50% of total AS
• 25% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Coursework

• Approximately 50 hours
• Weighting 50% of AS
• 25% of total A Level marks

A2 Level

Unit 3: Design and Manufacture

• Written Exam: 2 hours
• Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks
• This paper is based primarily on Design and Manufacture.
• It is the Synoptic paper.

Unit 4: Coursework

• Approximately 60 hours
• Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks.

Entry Requirements

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