Product Design

Summary

Design and Technology Product design allow pupils to gain the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

Pupils 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.

Pupils gain a real understanding of design processes, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

AQA Technology: Product Design is 50% NEA (coursework) and 50% written exam, divided into 2 papers. Paper 1 worth 30% and paper 2 worth 20%.

 Controlled Assessments account for 50% of the marks of the course is started in the spring term of Year 12. This is completed in December of Year 13 with interim deadlines for the final completion of sections provided by the teacher. The written exam accounts for the remaining 50% of the marks (30% paper 1 and 20% paper 2).  

In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course.  Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.

Summary:

Year 12 focus on developing the skills learnt in Key stage 4 and gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer.

 

During this year students focus on the following:

  • Model making skills

  • Designing and development

  • CAD/CAM skills

  • Theory on technical knowledge and understanding and design principles

 

Skills developed in Year 12 are set to support pupils in the exam board NEA which is release in the summer of Year 12.

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Knowledge:

Exploring a wide variety of designer products and understanding the different in their design inspiration, purpose, intention and design processes.

 

Skills:

Prototype skills, students explore a range of approaches to creating a range or prototype model.

 

CAD skills

 

Introduction to theory

Project 1

 

Introduction to NEA

 

NEA

Summary:

In Year 13 pupils will focus on completing NEA and written exams.

 

Written Exam

PAPER 1

What’s assessed:

Technical principles

How its assessed:

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

Questions:

Mixture of short answers and extended response

 

PAPER 2

What’s assessed:

Designing and making principles

How its assessed:

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

Questions:

Mixture of short answers and extended response questions

Section A:

Product Analysis: 30 marks

Up to 5 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)

Section B:

Commercial manufacture: 50 marks

Mixture of short and extended questions

 

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Completing NEA

Theory, in preparation of exams

Preparation for the summer exam

Useful Websites:

 

Museums:

https://www.vam.ac.uk

https://designmuseum.org

http://www.rocalondongallery.com

https://www.davidgillgallery.com

https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

 

Useful Apps:

  • Design & technology by J Plimmer is a good app and can be downloaded for Apple and Andriod for 79p. 

  • Plastic Guide by Bruder Consulting AB (Free to download for Apple and Andriod) 

  • iDT HD by Ray Gentleman (Free to download for Apple and Andriod) 

  • iD Cards - Loughborough Design School By Loughborough University (Free to download for Apple and Andriod)