KS5
In the sixth form we currently offer students AQA 3D Product Design. Within this syllabus students are able to focus on a variety of materials and manufacturing techniques depending on where their strengths gained through any of the technologies studied at GCSE. The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.
Product Design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products using a wide range of materials. Products that are fit for purpose, satisfies wants and needs, enhances are day to day lives and, most importantly, give students the opportunity to demonstrate their design and technology capability.
First year students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. Second year students apply the skills they have acquired to design, develop, and make a product of their choice.
The knowledge, skills and understanding gained are seen as being of great benefit to anyone pursuing Further Education courses giving students strong analytical and research skills.
We have a dedicated sixth form workshop available to the students throughout school day. It is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and machinery required at this level. It also includes up to date CAD/CAM facilities to ensure the students experience processes at the cutting edge of Technology education in schools. This obviously reflects our status as an outstanding Engineering specialist school.
AS UNITS
Unit 1: Materials, Components and Application (80 Marks)
Written Paper 50% of the total AS marks
2 hours 25% of the total A Level marks
This paper is based primarily on Materials and Components. Consisting of three sections:
Section 1 contains compulsory limited response questions
Section 2 offers a choice of one question from two
Section 3 contains one compulsory question
Unit 2: Learning Through Designing and Making (80 Marks)
Coursework 50% of the total AS marks
Approx 50 hours 25% of the total A Level marks
Written (or electronic) design portfolio Manufactured outcome(s)
Coursework may take a number of forms; a single design-and-make project, two smaller projects and/or a portfolio of work
A2 UNITS
Unit 3: Design and Manufacture (84 Marks)
Written paper
2 hours 25% of the total A Level marks
This paper is based primarily on Design and Manufacture.
Consisting of two sections (with three questions in each section), with a choice of three questions from six.
Candidates are required to answer one question from each section and also a final question from either section.
This written paper will include sufficient synoptic assessment to test the candidates’ understanding of the connections between the different elements of the subject and their holistic understanding of the subject.
Unit 4: Design and Making Practice (85 Marks)
Coursework
Approx 60 hours 25% of the total A Level marks
Written (or electronic) design folder
Manufactured outcome
Candidates submit evidence of a single, substantial designing and making activity