DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (PRODUCT DESIGN)

Head of Department: Mark Smith marksmith@leightonpark.com

Exam Board: Edexcel

Will the course suit me?

Students considering taking the subject should enjoy designing and working with resistant materials and be able to produce quality products. Students should be conversant with 3D Computer Aided Design software, ideally Solidworks. The ability to work independently is necessary. As the course includes a great deal of theory work, the ability to study and complete detailed written work to deadlines is essential. Level 6 or above in GCSE Design and Technology: Resistant Materials Technology, or a related subject such as Graphic Communication or Engineering is essential.

Course description

The course aims to allow students to increase their knowledge and understanding of design and technological processes, to recognise the social, moral and cultural values inherent in design and technological activity, to develop their creativity and technological capability and to produce high quality products.

Benefits of the course

Product Design helps develop a broad range of transferrable skills, such as problem solving, planning, and evaluation, communication and teamwork. Students will undoubtedly also develop life-long practical skills as well as the ability to express themselves creatively. Students are being prepared for jobs of the future by learning cutting edge skills and appreciating how these roles fit into a global society.

Outside the classroom

• Trip to 100% Design, Olympia, London

• Trip to New Designers Exhibition, Business Design Centre, London

• Trip to Mini Plant, Oxford

• Design Museum, Kensington, London

Future opportunities

Previous students undertaking Design & Technology: Product Design have gone on to careers in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Product Design, Advertising, Fine Art, Film & Set Design and Ceramics to name but a few.