This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries.
You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, while putting your learning into practice by producing prototypes of your 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.
'Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.'
Steve Jobs
​Are you interested in...
Designing innovative products that solve real-world problems?
Being creative and bringing your ideas to life?
Developing practical making and prototyping skills?
Learning how products are designed, manufactured and marketed?
Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and modern technologies?
Understanding how materials and manufacturing processes work?
Exploring sustainability and environmentally responsible design?
Working on projects from initial concept through to final product?
Combining creativity with technical and analytical thinking?
Building a portfolio that supports careers in design, engineering or architecture?
Materials and Components
Study a wide range of materials including woods, metals, polymers, papers and boards, and modern/composite materials.
Learn how their properties influence product design and manufacture.
Design Theory and Practice
Develop an understanding of the iterative design process, including identifying user needs, researching existing products, generating ideas, developing concepts, and refining solutions.
Product Manufacture
Explore manufacturing processes used in industry, including machining, forming, joining, finishing, quality control, and modern methods of production.
Digital Design and Technology
Use CAD/CAM technologies to design, model and communicate ideas.
Learn how digital technologies are used in modern product development and manufacturing.
Design Communication
Build skills in freehand sketching, technical drawing, rendering, modelling, and presentation techniques to communicate design ideas effectively.
Sustainability and Environmental Design
Investigate the environmental impact of products, sustainable materials, life-cycle analysis, and responsible design practices.
Design in Society
Examine how cultural, social, ethical, economic and technological factors influence product design and consumer choices.
Maths and Science in Design
Apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve design problems, analyse products, and make informed engineering and manufacturing decisions.
ASSESSMENT
Non-exam assessment (NEA) – 50%
A substantial design-and-make project based on a contextual challenge set by AQA. Students produce a design portfolio and a high-quality prototype, demonstrating research, creativity, technical understanding and evaluation skills.
Written examinations – 50%
Paper 1: Technical Principles – 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks. Assesses materials, processes, manufacturing techniques and technical knowledge.
Paper 2: Designing and Making Principles – 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks. Assesses design processes, product analysis, innovation and commercial manufacture.
SUBJECT EXPERTS​
Mr Savill, Subject Lead – D&T
Mr Savill has a first class BSC Honours degree in Secondary Design and Technology Education. With 9 years teaching experience of A Level Product Design he has supported students in continuing their Design and Technology studies in further education within the fields of Product Design, Architecture and Engineering.
Mr Savill has a broad range of experience in examining and moderating A Level Product Design studies for multiple exam boards, drawing on this expertise within delivering the curriculum.
Ms Montgomery
Study Visit
V&A and Design Museum visit to consider the work of influential and past designers.
PRODUCT DESIGN CAN LEAD TO A CAREER IN:
Product Designer
Design Engineer
Industrial Designer
Mechanical Engineer
Architectural Designer
Interior Designer
Manufacturing Engineer
Automotive Designer
Furniture Designer
Sustainable Design Consultant
Construction and Built Environment Careers
Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation