Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

This course covers 2 strands: Resistant Materials and Graphic Products. Please note Food Technology is currently not offered at A Level ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ as the Germans say. ‘Better by Design’ as the English say. Design and Technology at this level gives the opportunity for a diversity of outcomes, including graphics, packaging and product design. Those who take the subject at this level normally fall into two categories; you are either thinking of a career in this field or simply enjoy the subject and wish to further your appreciation of design and its impact on our environment. The course permits a broad and balanced approach to design and technology. The syllabus encourages innovation, takes account of the varied interests of the student and enables you to learn about design in a design, make-evaluate context. You will also develop an awareness of the social and moral implications of design and technology, aesthetic judgement and the ability to design functionally for a variety of situations. The following core skills are essential for success in Design and Technology: Time management - due to the large coursework element which needs to be managed over a long period of time. There are interim coursework deadlines to help you with this. Research and analysis - You will need to research into the design context of the products that you are designing and must have good grasp of Product Analysis as this is an integral part of the Design Process. Design communication - this covers sketching in 2D and 3D, model making, prototyping (including the use of CAD CAM and the lazer cutter + 3D Printer). Written Communication - There is a significant amount of written work in the coursework element, when annotating design concepts and discussing environmental, social and moral issues.