Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

This is a unique subject which allows students an opportunity to learn with a hands-on approach; appealing to those who enjoy solving problems and those who like to know how and why things work. Theory is taught through a variety of practical tasks and experiments using a wide range of materials and tools, allowing students to constantly test ideas and gain first hand experience of how a designer needs to think and act in order to create a successful product. Students will be required to consider moral dilemmas faced by current designers and will be given live briefs that require them to work with real life clients; all of which will build understanding of the design industry and its impact on the modern world. 50% of this course is based on the Non-exam assessment. With no set briefs students will be able to research, design and create in a way that suits their own strengths and interests. This large piece of coursework can be used as a platform to show universities and future employers a student’s passion for their chosen career path. The A-Level Product Design course is compatible with most other A-Level courses, depending on your chosen career path. These include Art & Design, Textile Design, Photography, Business Studies, Mathematics, Physics. The exact combination can lead to different career options and can be discussed with members of staff. Product Design could take you into a number of exciting career paths within the design industry including product design, automotive design, design for the medical industry and computer aided design to name just a few. Further study could also lead to architecture, architectural technologies and engineering or could secure a place on a high-level apprenticeship.