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 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 prototypes 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.
Course Requirements
B in Graphics, Resistant Materials, or Product Design and attend a meeting to show portfolio.
Essential Skills
In order to take A level Product Design not only do you need a passion for Design you also need to have excellent organisational skills and the ability to problem-solve effectively. You will need to be self-motivated and disciplined to meet coursework deadlines whilst still preparing for the examination.
A Level - Product Design (AQA)
The course content enables students to further develop their knowledge and understanding of materials and components, design and market influences and processes and manufacture.
Assessment Structure
Paper 1
What's assessed?
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 2.5 hours
- 120 marks
- 30% of A-level
Questions
- Mixture of short answer and extended response.
Paper 2
What's assessed?
- Designing and making principles
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 1.5 hours
- 80 marks
- 20% of A-level
Questions
- Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.
Section A: Product Analysis: 30 marks, Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).
Section B: Commercial manufacture: 50 marks, Mixture of short and extended response questions
Non-exam assessment (NEA)
What's assessed
- Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.
How it's assessed
- Substantial design and make project
- 100 marks
- 50% of A-level
Evidence
- Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.