A-LEVEL PRODUCT DESIGN - 3D DESIGN - AQA

Introduction

The new ‘A’ level Product Design 3D design specification has been designed to:

encourage candidates to take a broad view of Design and Technology
develop candidates' capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing

Assessment Framework

AS consists of 2 units:

Unit 1 is a 2 hour written examination worth 50% of the AS marks (25% of A level) This examination is primarily based on knowledge of Materials and Components.

Unit 2 is the coursework component. This represents the other 50% of the AS marks (25% of A level). The coursework should consist of approximately 50 hours work and can result in either one single project, two smaller projects or a portfolio of work.

A2 also consists of 2 units

Unit 3 is a 2 hour examination accounting for 25% of the A level and testing all aspects of the course (a synoptic paper) based primarily on Design and Manufacture.

Unit 4 is the A2 coursework component. This provides the final 25% of the A level marks and should represent approximately 60 hours work in the form of a single design and make project.

Description of Teaching and Learning

The course is delivered using a variety of types of activity. Coursework is followed in a way very similar to that used at GCSE following a time plan with deadlines and regular review using individual tutorials. The theoretical content will be delivered through some formal instruction, research assignments and product analysis involving group discussions

Links to Future Careers

Product Design directly leads towards studying Design at Degree level in a wide range of disciplines including products, furniture, 3D design, graphics, interior and landscape / environmental design. It has also proved useful for students looking for careers in Construction including Architecture, Construction Managements, Surveying, etc. The subject is useful for students looking for careers in marketing and the manufacturing industries.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

Students have moved on to study 3D Design, furniture design, construction management, Art and Design foundation courses and Primary School teacher training.

Additional Information

It is preferable for students to have achieved a B or above in Product Design GCSE to follow this course but students have successfully moved over from Textiles and taken up 3D Design for A level.

Please see Mr Vaughan (Head of Design Technology).