A Level Product Design

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

Course Overview

The course will encourage students to develop their own ability to design and make products and is a sound basis for students who intend to pursue any form of design course at university. This is achieved through a portfolio of project work that accounts for 50% of the overall course marks.

Students will tackle design briefs based on given themes but they will also work in design areas of their choosing. Student design briefs are accepted for a wide range of products including jewellery, graphics, packaging, digital products, lighting, furniture, storage, books, toys and household products. Students also study design, for example arts and crafts, Art Deco and Bauhaus, and the successful designers associated with these important movements. In doing so, students develop their understanding of how to design effectively and their ability to critically appraise the work of professional designers.

Students are introduced to industrial design and they learn the skills associated with using computers to design and make products.

· Skill based learning.

· Design and make projects.

· An understanding of contemporary technologies, materials and processes.

· Understanding and applying an iterative design process.

· Prototyping as a means to find solutions to ‘real’ problems.

There are 2 exam papers both 2 hours long and worth up to 25% of the final grade

· Paper 1: Core technical principles and core designing and making principles.

· Paper 2: Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles.

· The remaining 50% is based on the controlled assessment which is a substantial design and make task.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Grade 4 or above GCSE Product Design

The course is suitable to successful post GCSE Design students who enjoy designing and making their own products in a creative way and exploring the work of other successful designers.

Where can this course take me?

This subject is widely acknowledged within universities and colleges to provide the essential foundation for further study in a wide range of degree courses including product design, graphic design, package design, jewellery, fashion. furniture / storage design, industrial design and engineering design.