'A' Level Product Design

A-Level Product Design is the follow on route from GCSE Design & Technology. This course has been designed to encourage students to take a broad view of Design and Technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. The course is a full two year A-Level and will develop skills learnt at GCSE as well as introducing new practical and theory content. In the first year pupils will complete a range of practice projects and complete a theory programme. In the final term of the first year, pupils will begin their major non examined assessment (NEA) project which can be based on any theme or idea of their choice. In the second year pupils will complete their NEA project alongside the final part of the theory programme.

Unit Details

Exam Paper 1 – Technical Principles

How is it assessed:

Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes
120 marks
30% of A-Level

Exam Paper 2 – Designing and Making Principles

How is it assessed:

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
80 marks
20% of A-Level

Non Examined Assessment (NEA) – Practical application of technical and designing and making principles.

How is it assessed:

Substantial design and make project
100 marks
50% of A-Level

What do I need to study A Level Product Design?

We recommend the following:

Grade 6 in GCSE Design and Technology: Metals, Timbers, Textiles, Polymers, Systems or Paper & Boards.
Grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths (Due to the mathematics and written content of the course).

Where can A Level Product Design take me?

If you are considering university, this course can lead you to study into programs such as: Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Architect, Furniture Designer, Web Designer, CAD Designer, Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering.

If you are considering apprenticeships, we have had pupils accept apprenticeships in the automotive,manufacturing and Engineering sectors for both local and national companies.