Product Design AQA A level

Applications Open: 6th November 2026

Applications Close: 22nd March 2027

Entry Requirements: an overall GCSE points score of at least 50 (including grade 4 or higher in both Mathematics and English Language) is required to enrol. You also need to qualify for each of the subjects (minimum 3) you wish to take - a GCSE grade 6 or higher (7 or higher for Mathematics and Music) is required. See our prospectus for full details.

How to Apply: Please apply via KentChoices

The AQA Product Design A-Level enables students to develop an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties in a broad range of materials and components. Students will look at the broader issues of design including: the environmental impact of products and their manufacture; methods in which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products; health and safety issues relevant to working with materials; computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM); ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design, and consumer safety; the life cycle of products including manufacture, use and functional aspects and final disposal.

The course here is designed to cover both the board’s specification and that of expanding a student’s design capability towards further education. The course is set up in Year 12 to give a broad foundation in design practice – these skills intended to bring out a student’s creativity, allow them to find their own strengths in the subject and to build their independence of learning. Key kills in sketching/drawing, CAD and 3D modelling are taught and encouraged as the basis for visualising ideas. Knowledge and understanding of wider design issues and technology are also regularly taught.

The tuition covers a broad range of content from the underpinning theory, design/ideation skills, sketching and design drawing through to CAD (Computer Aided Design). Evidence for assessment is compiled as an e-portfolio but produced in a wide range of software packages:

• Full Adobe Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

• CAD – Fusion 360, CREO, Keyshot, 2D Design.

• CAM - 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cam machines.

Under the guidance of our talented and experienced staff, students can produce work of a high standard with an emphasis on the production of functional, useful and beautiful products. With our excellent purpose-built facilities, well-equipped workshops and studios we offer students the opportunity to fully explore design and practical activities while encompassing the ideologies of innovation and technology.

The A level course is designed to prepares students for degree level and beyond - a high percentage of our students end up studying Product/Industrial Design, Product Engineering, Architecture, Engineering and Graphic Design.

For further information please contact Mr Pledger (Subject Leader of Design):

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A level Specification at a glance

• Paper 1 - Technical Principles 30% (Mix of short and extended responses)

• Paper 2 – Designing and making Principles 20% (Mix of short and extended responses + product analysis + commercial manufacture questions.)

• Non Examined Assessment/Coursework 50% (45hrs single substantial design and making task.)

Grade 6 in GCSE Design Technology is required.

Please note that applicants must also meet our overall entry requirements of scoring at least a total of 50 points (simply add up all your GCSE grades) and achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language and Mathematics.