Product Design

This creative and thought provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers - especially those in the creative industries. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing products of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

COURSE CONTENT

The Product Design A Level course offers students the opportunity to study, propose and realise prototype solutions closely linked to the real world of product manufacture in a range of material areas. It will also promote the ability of students to:

Initiate design solutions, develop, test and trial working models and prototypes Develop and sustain imagination, innovation and flair when working with concepts and materials Develop an understanding of contemporary design and technological practices and consider the uses and effects of new technologies and modern materials Develop thinking skills, financial capability, enterprise and entrepreneurial skills

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● The ability to work independently in a workshop and design studios. ● An understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components and why these are used in specific applications. ● Particular emphasis on the life-cycle of products including manufacture, use and disposal. ● A good understanding of the methods by which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products.

SPECIFICATION LINK

ASSESSMENTS

Continuous assessment through ‘design and make’ tasks and theory tests related to the specification. All students will sit an internally set examination in the summer of Year 12.

PSYCHOLOGY