Product Design (A-Level)

What is Technology?

The AQA Design Technology A level is a creative and thought-provoking qualification giving 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.

What will I study?

A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out below. These have been separated into: 

Technical Principles 
Designing and making principles 

Coursework (NEA) - Live project where students have to solve a real-life problem, exploring design opportunities, working with a live client and manufacturing a substantial product

How am I assessed?

Paper 1: Technical principles 

How it's assessed • Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes • 120 marks • 30% of A-level 

Questions Mixture of short answer and extended response.

Paper 2:  Designing and making principles 

How it's assessed • Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes • 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

Paper 1 & 2 will be sat at the end of year 13 

Coursework (NEA - Non-exam assessment)  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

This will start during year 12 and will be handed in April of year 13. 

A-level Design and Technology: Product Design Specification teaching from 2017 (aqa.org.uk)

Where will success take me?

Success in Technology can mean many doors opening within the Design & Engineering industry. Design and technology can set you up for a career in a wide variety of industries such as fashion, engineering, architecture, games design and product design. Popular careers for people with design and technology qualifications include fashion designer, tailor, product designer, architect, software engineer, civil engineer and carpenter. The transferrable skills learned at this level will also help students to really sell themselves when applying for further education or job roles in any capacity and career area.

What are the entry requirements? 

Technology: A minimum of a grade 5 in Maths & English and in GCSE Design Technology is preferable. If you have not studied GCSE Design Technology, you can still be considered with enthusiasm, hard work and a good understanding of the design process 

To find out more information, please contact Ms Roberts (sa.roberts@kingsmeadschool.net or m.russell@kingsmeadschool.net)