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AS/A2 Design & Technology (Product Design)
Why choose Product Design at Carmel? In Product Design we aim to help you develop your own individual creativity to its full potential. You are valued as an individual so we try to design a course that meets your unique set of needs and abilities, whilst ensuring you are set the highest expectations that will challenge you. You are encouraged to think, question and enquire. Product Design is not just about “doing� but is about interactively thinking and doing. Solutions are not always as obvious as you may think. So if you are committed, enthusiastic and prepared to listen and learn, you may want to consider studying Product Design.
AS/A2 Product Design EXAM BOARD: AQA
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Unit 2 – Coursework
meet the students
At AS Level you should develop an understanding of a broad range of materials, with emphasis on the life cycle of products, manufacture and final disposal. This specification also considers the broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and consumer safety.
Coursework may take a number of forms; a single design-and-make project, two smaller projects and/or a portfolio of work.
JONATHAN BARRY St Gregory’s
There are two units to study at AS Level: Unit 1 – Topic list:
Studying: Product Design, 3D Design, Physics, Maths Product Design enables you to design different products using high quality materials. I also enjoy learning about the theory side of the subject and gaining an insight into mass production and how Product Design is different outside the classroom. At Carmel the level of teaching is very high, you are also treated like an adult and the facilities are really modern. When I leave I want to study Architecture at university.
meet the tutors STEVE MILTON Head of Department and Senior Moderator Product Design AQA
• Developing an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties in a broad range of materials and components; • The broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture; • Methods in which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products;
At A2 Level, the specification offers you the opportunity to further develop the knowledge and practical skills from AS. Candidates will continue to develop a body of coursework alongside an understanding of the processes and procedures of commercial production and manufacture.
There are two units to study at A2 Level: Unit 3 – Topic list: • Classifying materials and identifying, testing and comparing their application to product manufacture; • The implications of Health and Safety as an element of design activity; • Examination of alternative designs and redesigning existing products;
• Health and safety issues relevant to working with materials;
• Use of natural resources, materials utilisation, conservation, waste disposal/management, pollution, recycling;
• Computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM);
• Appreciation and understanding of the use of CAM for industrial production;
• Ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design and consumer safety;
• Moral, economic, social and environmental responsibilities of the designer;
• The life cycle of products including manufacture, use and functional aspects and final disposal.
• Planning production procedures and methods.
What support will I receive? You can access staff and facilities at all times of the day whilst you are at college. Individual action plans identify areas for development. Example pieces of work are readily available.
What other activities will I get involved in?
For our students, we arrange work experience, visiting speakers, visits to design/art galleries and visits to industry etc.
As part of the Enrichment Programme students can also get involved in Kite Making workshops.
Unit 4 – Coursework You must submit evidence of a single, substantial designing and making activity.
meet the students
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? AS Unit 1: 50% of total AS marks/25% of total A Level marks Written exam (2 hours) based primarily on Materials and Components. AS Unit 2: 50% of total AS marks/25% of total A Level marks
KATIE HOOD Wade Deacon
Studying: Product Design, English Combined, Maths, Psychology
Coursework (approx 50 hours) in the form of a written or electronic design portfolio. A2 Unit 3: 25% of total A Level marks Written exam (2 hours) based primarily on Design and Manufacture. It is the Synoptic paper.
Liam McGenity AS Product Design
A2 Unit 4: 25% of total A Level marks Coursework (approx 60 hours) in the form of a written or electronic design folder.
Josh Benton A2 Product Design
Chris Southward A2 Product Design
How successful are Carmel’s Product Design students? A* - B AS 2008 A2 AS 2009 A2 AS 2010 A2
I enjoy the practical side of Product Design and enjoy modelling my own designs, experiencing different materials and learning about the processes used. I have also studied knitting for Enrichment where I gained new skills to develop my use of materials in my design work. What I like about studying at Carmel is the independence you are given and the college environment and facilities are really modern.
15% 42% 28% 13% 30% 36%
A* - C
Overall Pass Rate
15%
100%
61%
94%
84%
100%
69%
100%
91%
100%
65%
93%
Elaina Boardman A2 Product Design
WHERE DOES THIS COURSE LEAD? A range of HE courses/employment is offered in the following areas; Design Theory, Design Craft, Design Technology, Design with multi-media, Furniture Design, 3D Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, Transport Design, Architecture, Computer Aided Design, Graphic Design, Manufacturing and Engineering. Lucy Taylor A2 Product Design Nick Young AS Product Design
Chris Owen AS Product Design AS Group Project
more information The course specification can be found on the exam board website:
www.aqa.org.uk You can also email Steve Milton, Head of Department:
stephenm@carmel.ac.uk
A2 Group Project
Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between Graphic Design, Art and Design and Product Design? Product Design combines theory with practice. This is a problem-solving subject that uses not just the brain, not just the hands but combines both. This subject also combines academic study with design skills and practical application.
Do I need to have studied a Technology subject at GCSE level? You do not need to have taken GCSE Product Design, Resistant Materials or Graphics. If you are enthusiastic and committed then you can join this course.