Design and Technology: Product Design A Level

Applications open: Now open!

Application close: 31 January 2026

How to Apply: - Please apply via Applicaa. Please click here to visit our sixth form information page on our website

We do not accept applications via KentChoices.

Entry Requirements: - 6.5 average point score, minimum of 4 in English Language and Maths GCSE. Entry grade criteria for A Level subjects chosen.

Why choose this subject?

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in engineering, business and the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Independent enquiry and investigations

Practical application of Mathematical and Engineering principals

Creative thinking

Problem solving & analysis

Demonstrating & learning good time management

Why study it at The Judd School?

We have a long history of success delivering this subject. Almost all students that take this course go on to study either engineering or a design related course at university. We often have a prestigious Arkwright scholarship awarded to one or more of our students in recognition of their engineering ability and aspirations.

You will be taught by supportive, knowledgeable teachers in outstanding facilities with access to a wide selection of resources. The Judd Design & Technology Department is a progressive and forward-thinking department that aims to incorporate new technology and materials where appropriate. Students are encouraged to excel in this subject through researching and suggesting new material uses and techniques to continually adapt to an ever-changing technological world.

Course details: Board and Specification: AQA 7552

What you will be learning (course outline):

The subject covers a wide range of theory topics including; Materials and their applications, Design development and Manufacture, Industry design practice, Responsible designing, Design for manufacturing, maintenance and repair, Protecting designs, Enterprise and Marketing. These topics are covered in weekly theory lessons throughout the course.

In Year 12 students will complete a range of ‘Skills Projects’ that are aimed to develop designing, analysing, evaluating & prototyping skills in line with A level standards. These short projects are 3-4 weeks long and will involve a mixture of workshop practical and independent study tasks. These projects aim to prepare students for the NEA in year 13 and are concluded with a mock NEA short design project.

The Non-Examined Assessment will consist of a single design project based on a context researched and chosen by the student. This significant and challenging part of the course requires to develop a solution to a design problem that they identify & investigate. Outcomes are widely varied in the department and not set to a specific material area. Students are expected in this project to be exploratory and experimental, completing independent investigations to guide their work. In this part of the course teachers are ‘facilitators’ and ‘coaches’ to students' own design thinking and manufacturing.

How it will be assessed:

Two exams (1 x 1½ hrs & 1 x 2½ hrs). Contributing to 50% of the qualification.

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

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

One NEA (Non-Examined Assessment) unit, contributing 50% of the qualification. Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE (grade 7) in Design & Technology.

7 at GCSE in DT: Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics, Systems & Control or Electronics. Students who have studied a different DT discipline should contact Mr Reay (Head of DT) to discuss their suitability