Examining Board - OCR

Subject Content

Design & Technology: Product Design with a focus on Systems and Control offers you the exciting opportunity to develop modern technological skills through exploring the design and manufacture of products.The course is designed to offer candidates the opportunity to study, propose and realise prototype solutions closely linked to the real world of product manufacture.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

You will experience a wide range of study methods, developing your skills and knowledge through a combination of teacher lead and self-directed learning activities. There will be opportunities to visit local engineering companies and see the relevant technologies being applied in the manufacture of products. Some examples of learning practices are outlined below.

Students choosing to study this subject will use CADCAM to design and manufacture both PCB’s and product housings. They will take part in practical workshop manufacturing exercises as well as using a range of ICT applications including web research and analytical software. Students will participate in both group and course tutor discussion topics as well as delivering presentations of their work and completing written assignments. Theoretical knowledge may also be delivered through dedicated lessons and a range of research projects.

Methods of Assessment

AS Level

Unit 1: Advanced Innovation Challenge

Candidates take part in a timed design challenge based on a pre-released theme, under examination conditions. The challenge consists of a design, and modelling exercise recorded in a workbook. A written reflection paper is completed at a later date. The challenge and reflection paper are held in the centre and are marked externally by OCR.

Unit 2: Product Study

Candidates should carry out an in-depth product analysis resulting in suggestions for improvements. This is a coursework component that is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by OCR.

A2 Level

Unit 3: Design, Make and Evaluate

Candidates are required to produce a portfolio and product. The project is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by OCR.

Unit 4: Product Design

A written paper that consists of two components, core Product Design questions and focused Systems & Control questions.

Entry Requirements

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