Design and Technology A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
This course has been designed to encourage students to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Product Design encourages students to enhance their knowledge and skills in CAD / CAM, design, material knowledge and manufacture. This is a brand new course which has been created in collaboration with degree students, manufacturing companies and experts from a varied range of design and manufacturing industries.
Course Details
Paper 1 - Materials, Components and Application
- Written exam: 2.5 hours
- 120 marks
- 30% of A-level
- Section A: Materials and Components
- Section B: Design and Market Influences
- Section C: Processes and Manufacture
Based primarily on materials and components and consisting of three sections. This exam is designed to test your knowledge in manufacturing processes, properties of a range of materials and their suitability in the design and make of industrial products. Students will also develop knowledge of the health and safety issues relevant to working with materials and will learn about the use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) in design. In addition to this, students will gain and understanding of the broader issues related to design such as; environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture, ergonomic and anthropometrics and consumer safety.
Paper 2 - Design and Manufacture
- Written exam: 1.5 hours
- 80 Marks
- 20% of A-level
Section A:
- Product Analysis: 30 marks
- Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).
Section B:
- Commercial manufacture: 50 marks
- Mixture of short and extended response questions
Topics include:
Major developments in technology, product life cycle, the influence of design and technology in society, the role of the designer, the marketing function, design processes, safety legislation, illustration, selection and use of appropriate 2D/3D techniques, human factors, and the work of past and present designers, sustainability and environmental concerns.
Specialist knowledge, technical, designing, and making principles.
Non Exam Assessment (NEA) - Design and Making Practice
- Substantial design and make task
- 45 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of A-level
This is a major design and make unit where knowledge of the Product Design subject content is applied to the design and manufacture of the student’s own projects.
Students will have the opportunity analyse, research, design and develop a product from a set brief before getting creative in the workshop and indulging in a range of practical skills. The non exam assessment allows the students to investigate modern design trends and manufacture a working prototype of their own creation using the modern materials and machinery available to them. The students will also have the opportunity to learn and use the range of CAD / CAM facilities available in the workshop
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Exam x 2:
Students complete two exams modules at the end of the two year course.
Non Exam Assessment:
Design and Manufacture task - a continuous design and manufacture project (approx. 45 hours) in Year 12 and 13
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE Design and Technology
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
You could take this course with other advanced level courses such as Art and Design or Computing to prepare for higher education in areas of and 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. The course will also encourage you to explore your creative mind and help you develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.