A-LEVEL EXAM BOARD – AQA
PRODUCT DESIGN QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 5+ DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. It is especially suited to those in the creative, design and engineering industries. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer and will develop knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. Throughout the course students prepare for a technical principles exam worth 30% of their grade and a designing and making principles exam worth 20%. The remaining 50% is assessed through coursework in Year 13. This
gives students the opportunity to put their skills into practice and work on solving real life problems. The aim of the course is to encourage students to work in an interactive methodology where they develop skills in innovation, creativity and design capability. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology and will have opportunities to produce prototypes of their own designs. There is a strong focus on developing critical awareness on the course and students are encouraged to think creatively and discuss their ideas.
WHAT NEXT? An A-Level in Product Design is vital in a wide range of creative careers and especially those wishing to pursue more academically creative careers. These include design itself but also architecture, engineering, business,
theatre, film, media, fashion and the performing arts. This A-Level is accepted by all universities and is positively welcomed on design-related courses.
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT HELLA JONGERIUS Berlin based industrial designer, her work mixes traditional craft techniques with modern technologies
CHARLOTTE PERRIAND French furniture designer, very influenced by Modernism and famous for her tubular steel chairs
TYPICAL CAREERS INDUSTRIAL/ PRODUCT DESIGNER/ EXHIBITION DESIGNER/ PURCHASING MANAGER/SALES EXECUTIVE
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