Design and Technology – Product Design
Above all else, we aim to instil a lifelong love of all things Design & Technology, we aim to encourage students to pursue a career within the subject area and enable students to develop an understanding of the specialised technical tools, processes and techniques needed to allow them to access further study or careers in Design & Technology.
A Townsend student who studies Design and Technology should be a confident and independent learner who aspires to be the best they can be without limitations. Townsend’s DT students should be creative thinkers, adept at solving problems and show aspiration when developing their solutions. Our students should work smarter, think bigger and aim higher in all of their work outcomes and will be the next generation of creators and innovators.
Design & Technology students at Townsend Church of England School will use an iterative design approach to widen their understanding of a variety of materials and manufacturing processes through a series of design and make projects. Students will develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to create imaginative solutions to real world problems.
Course Details
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design
7552
Specification – https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/specifications/AQA-7552-SP-2017.PDF
Course Description
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This course is separated into two main areas:
- technical principles
- designing and making principles.
Programme of Study
Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes. The course will cover a wide range of topics, from material properties to the history of design. All students will be taught how to use 3D CAD software to support in the development of their design ideas and prototypes and will have access to 3D printers and a CNC router. Lessons in A – Level Product Design are varied, one lesson could involve analysing an existing product, while the next could involve developing manufacturing skills by learning and practising a new process.
Assessment
NEA
Research, Design and Practical work 100 marks
50% of the total A Level
Internally assessed, externally moderated
Paper 1: Technical Principles
Industrial Processes, materials and manufacturing systems 120 marks
25% of the total A Level
Externally examined
Paper 2: Designing & Making Principles
Design history, design-based processes and study of products 80 marks
25% of the total A Level
Externally examined
Home Learning
Students are provided with a workbook for each content area, this will include research tasks, exam questions and consolidation tasks.
Students are also provided with home access to our CAD software and can develop their skills outside of lesson time.
Where can Product Design take you?
This qualification can lead to a wide range of different career pathways, including Product Design, Engineering and Architecture.
How can parents support their child’s learning
- Parents can encourage their children to study and make use of the materials provided in school.
- Parents can regularly check Google classroom to check homework and any other notices.
- Parents can also encourage their children to practise their CAD skills at home.
- During completion of the NEA in Year 13 parents can monitor their child’s progress and encourage them throughout its completion.
Useful Links
Textbooks
- https://www.hoddereducation.com/subjects/art-design-technology/products/16-18/aqa-as-a-level-design-and-technology-product-desig
- https://www.hoddereducation.com/subjects/art-design-technology/products/16-18/essential-maths-skills-for-as-a-level-design-and-t
For more information contact Mr. D Hill, Head of Design & Technology, Townsend Church of England School
