Design and Technology (Product Design)

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 17 July 2026

Entry Requirements - Applications are considered on an individual basis.

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

The course is modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices. The new qualifications place greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

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Students will sit two exams at the end of the two year course.

Paper 1—

Assessed on: Technical principles, Designing and making principles and Specialist knowledge.

Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks available (25 % of A-level)

The questions will be a mixture of short answer, and extended response questions.

Paper 2 -

Assessed on: Technical principles, Designing and making principles and Specialist knowledge.

Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks available (25 % of A-level)

Section A: Product analysis, 40 marks available, up to six short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).

Section B: Commercial manufacture, 60 marks available, two extended response questions worth a total of 30 marks each.

50% non-exam assessment (NEA)

How it’s assessed: Single substantial design and make task, 100 marks available, 50 % of A-level.

• Approximately 40 hours in duration

• Written or electronic portfolio with photographic evidence of final outcome

Assessment criteria to include: exploration, designing, making, analysis and evaluation.

It will be assessed in a holistic way.

Task

Students will undertake a substantial design and make task and produce a final prototype. The context of the task will be determined by the student.

50% coursework

50% Examination

Grade 5 in DT and strong passes in English and Maths GCSE