Design and Technology A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Qualification Aims and Objectives D & T Product Design)

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• Use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.

• Identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes.

• Acquire subject knowledge in Design and Technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.

• Take every opportunity to integrate and apply their understanding and knowledge from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, with a particular focus on Science and Mathematics, and those subjects they are studying alongside A Level Design and Technology.

• Be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise while considering their role as responsible designers and citizens.

• Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world.

• Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners.

• Gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries.

• Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients.

• Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.

• Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype.

• Be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including Mathematics and Science, to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology.

• Be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes.

• Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on Design and Technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors.

• Develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including the use of Mathematics and Science for analysis and informing decisions in design.” (Pearson Edexcel 2016).

  The subject will be assessed by the following means:

1. Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (50% of the qualification).

2. Independent Design and Make Project Non-Examined Assessment (50% of the qualification).

As above.

You do not need to have studied GCSE Design and Technology but should have demonstrated some practical aptitude at Key Stages 3 and 4 in design and manipulative skills. Evidence of interest at a ‘hobby’ level is useful. The course stresses practical coursework. If you have studied GCSE Design and Technology, then at least a Grade 6 is required. Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses such as Art and Design, and Computing, which could lead onto Higher Education in areas of Design, Technology, Architecture or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Design and Technology such as an Architect, Carpenter or Computer Technician.