AS & A2 Technology - Product Design
Why study design technology?
The practical nature of this course and the large coursework content allow candidates to achieve their best potential, while following their own interests.
Information technology skills form an important part of the course, particularly computer aided design (CAD).
Assessment
This examination subject offers an excellent continuation to GCSE work and consist of:
AS - year 12
DT1 - written exam
DT2 - design and make tasks
A2 - year 13
DT3 - written exam
DT4 - design and make tasks
Where can it lead?
Key skills can be achieved as part of the design technology coursework.
Many industries are expecting candidates to have a broad based, flexible education with problem solving experience, to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological society.
The design technology A level is recognised as a core part of many degree courses and many business projects require skills that involve design skills, research, modelling, modification, making skills. Many companies recognise the valuable skills a design technology student has and offer sponsorship to university candidates and excellent work experience.
How will you develop and what will you gain in addition to a qualification ?
Product design is for people who love to know how things work, who love to create things and who want to influence the world around us.
By the end of the course we expect students to be able to design fully functional products, demonstrating technical, user, communication and manufacturing skills. Typically this might include abilities in:
* Selecting materials and manufacturing processes considering issues such as cost and the environment
* Designing functional and safe mechanisms
* Considering user needs , ergonomics, aesthetics, creativity, culture
* Drawing, computer aided design and model making
