A-Level Design Technology
A Level Design Technology
By studying A level Design Technology you will be encouraged to develop your capacity to design and make products, as well as to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture, sustainability and marketing.
The course is aimed at students who wish to pursue a design and manufacturing based course, with an emphasis on resistant materials or engineering. It is a natural progression from GCSE Design Technology and you will find the course structure similar.
Why should I study Design & Technology at A Level?
• Our Design Technology Department has won a number of National Awards for the standard of work produced by students, including the AQA A Level Technology Award.
• We have two purpose-built workshops with a wide range of facilities, including traditional woodworking and metalworking machinery and CAM outputs such as a laser cutter and 3D printer.
• The course is linked to industrial practice and develops skills in self-discipline, time-management and independence, which are essential for future courses and careers.
• The course is designed to develop creative thinking, as well as to build skills in the use of different materials and media, machines, equipment, processes and techniques.
• We run a range of trips, allowing you to explore how Design Technology is a part of life beyond the classroom.
Assessment Information
Exam Board and Specification: AQA, Design & Technology: Product Design (7552)
Paper 1
What is assessed? Technical principles.
How is it assessed? A written exam, 2 hours and 30 minutes. Questions are a mixture of short-answer and extended-response.
Worth 30% of the A level.
Paper 2
What is assessed? Designing and making principles
How is it assessed? A written exam (Section A and B), 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Section A: Product Analysis: 30 marks, up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of a product.
Section B: Commercial manufacture: 50 marks from a mixture of short and extended response questions.
Worth 20% of the A level.
Coursework
What is assessed? The Practical application of the technical principles and designing and making principles.
How is it assessed? Through the production of a substantial design and make project, presented as a written or digital design portfolio including photographic evidence of a final prototype.
Worth 50% of the A level.
Possible Careers
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Product Design
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Craft Designer
• Furniture Maker
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Teaching
• Luthiery