Design & Tech: Product Design

Examining Board – AQA

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

The practical and theoretical problem solving processes undertaken throughout the course encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation.

At Rainford College we offer 4 different technology options, all of which follow the AQA specification.

The four subject areas are very similar in the way they are organised and assessed but have very different subject content.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS  

3D PRODUCT DESIGN

The 3D product design course requires students think creatively and develops their ability to resolve design problems. Much of the work is undertaken in a manufacturing/graphics studio where students are guided through a number of design and make tasks. These tasks are initially set by course tutor but the final year project in C1 and C2 are student set and give opportunity to demonstrate their flair and ability in design.

Past students have worked on a wide variety of design problems ranging from:

  • futuristic MP3 players
  • mobile phones
  • lighting
  • PC design
  • architectural design
  • a wide range of furniture

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students should normally aim to have a GCSE in Technology at grade B or above but we welcome all students with a genuine interest, enthusiasm and commitment to the subject.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

AS Level

Module 1 – Materials and Components

  • Externally assessed examination covering the full range of materials, components and manufacturing processes available to the student, worth 30% of the AS marks
  • This is worth 15% of the A2 marks if the course is continued

Module 2 – Coursework

  • Internally assessed and externally moderated
  • This is a design and manufacture project of your choice (within guidelines), worth 40% of the AS marks
  • This is worth 20% of the A2 marks if the course is continued

Module 3 – Design and Market Influences

  • Externally assessed examination, worth 30% of the AS marks
  • This is worth 15% of the A2 marks if the course is continued
  • This is a design paper on a pre-prepared topic/theme

A2 Level

Module 4 – Product Study

  • This involves you choosing a product already available and studying the designing and manufacture of the product in detail, culminating in a 2000 word assignment
  • This is worth 15% of the final award and is externally assessed

Module 5 – Coursework

  • Internally assessed and externally moderated
  • This is a design and manufacture project of your choice
  • This is worth 15% of your final award

Module 6 – Subject content Exam

  • A 3 hour externally assessed examination paper consisting of a range of materials, design, and manufacturing questions  

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:

  • Use of computer aided design.
  • Workshop manufacturing exercises.
  • High level graphic tasks.
  • Use of a range of ICT applications including web research.
  • Group and course tutor discussion topics
  • Presentation of work.
  • Written assignments.

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