Product Design A Level

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Examining board & Qualification

AQA – A LEVEL

Entry requirements

Please see current prospectus for further information

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

This creative and thought-provoking qualification will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

Students that have taken this course have developed a product to meet the needs of a target market. They develop their skill set through investigation and sharing ideas. Through their lessons and assessments they will have sound knowledge of industrial practices and understand links to the industry.

You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing products of your choice.

You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

Core technical principles of designing, developing and making innovative products.

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

You will use your creativity and imagination to design, develop and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.

The course is made up of a design and make project (Non-examined Element) and 2 written exams.

The main areas of learning are:

Technical Principles
Designing and Making Principles

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Paper 1 – Technical Principles – 2.5 hours (120 marks – 30%)
Paper 2 – Designing and Making Principles – 1.5 hours (80 marks – 20%)
45-hour non-examined design and make project (50%)