Product Design A level

Applications Open: Open Now!

Applications Close: Contact the school.

Entry Requirements: See website for individual subject requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via Applica at: https://leighacademytonbridge.applicaa.com/year12

Qualification type GCE: Level 3 Advanced

Course length 2 years

Examination Board Pearson Edexcel

Students will be required to apply knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials; including modern and smart materials, and processes used in product design and manufacture. They will be required to develop an understanding of contemporary industrial and commercial practices applied to designing and manufacturing products, and to appreciate the risks involved. Students should have a good working knowledge of health and safety procedures and relevant legislation. Students should be aware of the important contribution that key historical movements and figures have on modern design thinking. It is increasingly important that students develop an awareness of wider issues in design and technology, that design and technological activities can have a profound impact on the environment and on society and that these, together with sustainability, are key features of design and manufacturing practice. Mathematical and scientific principles are an important part of designing and developing products and students will be expected to apply these principles when considering the designs of others.

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project

Consists of one externally-examined paper (component 1) and one non-examined assessment (component 2). Students must complete all assessment in May/June.

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 120 marks

The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as extended-writing questions focused on analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, and evaluation of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project

Non-examined assessment 50% of the qualification 120 marks

Students will produce a substantial design, make and evaluate project which consists of a portfolio and a prototype.

We expect our Sixth Formers to have achieved at least a Grade 4 in both their English and Maths GCSEs, and at least 3 other qualifications at 4+, in addition they need a GCSE 5 grade (or equivalent) in the subjects selected for post 16 studies. Students who have not studied Design and Technology at GCSE will be considered if they have suitable grades in other subjects such as Art and Design or ICT at grade 5.

Why study product design?

Equipping students with design skills for the future

Students will be able to recognise design needs and develop an understanding of how current global issues, including integrating technology, impacts on today’s world.

Encourages creativity and innovation

Our contextual challenges at AS will give students the freedom to take design risks and innovate in a situation where it is safe to test and refine ideas, giving them the confidence at A level to further develop these skills in their own design brief with a client/end user.