A Level Product Design
Exam Board: AQA
Why study this subject?
A Level Product Design is a challenging and very rewarding qualification that has designing and making at the heart of the course. This course encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products. Students will develop their research, analysis, product development, project planning and evaluation skills.
A range of designing and making skills that will prepare students to excel in any Design based or Engineering career such as: technical drawing, sketching tuition, CAD modelling and simulation, rapid prototyping, materials testing and analysis, a range of practical manufacturing tasks, learning to design useful products that function well, learning to select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes. Students will grow in their understanding of the impact designers can have individual lives as well as that of society and the wider world.
How is the course assessed?
There are two external written papers consisting of short-answer and extended writing style questions. 50% of the course is assessed through the external papers. Coursework is internally set and marked by the centre and externally moderated. The coursework involves the designing and development of an appropriate product supported by a design folder. This product should be complete, expertly made and well finished. The coursework contributes 50% to the A Level.
| EXAM 1: Technical Principles | 30% |
| EXAM 2: Designing and Making Principles | 20% |
| COURSEWORK: Substantial design and make task (45 hours) | 50% |
Where can this subject lead?
This course is for those who are interested in a career in technology, engineering, Industrial Design or marketing. It is an enjoyable and relevant course for the developing technical world we live in. Students studying this course often go on to a wide range of degree courses including:
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion, Automotive Design, Architecture, and Engineering (mechanical, automotive, aeronautical). An increasing number of students are pursuing Higher Level Apprenticeships.