Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

Students studying A Level Product Design are required to complete three components. There are two written examination components for each course, the ‘Principles’ component, and the ‘Unseen Challenge’ component. The third and largest component of the A Level is the ‘Iterative Design Project’. The ‘principles’ component is worth 25% of the total A Level and requires students to complete a 1 hour 30-minute examination. Learners will be required to answer questions on the analysis of existing products, technical knowledge of materials, product function, manufacturing processes and techniques; and wider social, moral, and environmental issues. Students are also required to answer questions on the application of mathematical skills. The ‘unseen challenge’ is worth 25% of the total A Level and requires students to complete a 2-hour and 30-minute design/written examination. Learners will be required to complete a design task in which they will apply their knowledge, understanding, and skills in designing and manufacturing products. The ‘Iterative Design project’ is worth 50% of the total A Level and requires students to undertake a substantial design, make, and evaluate project centered on the iterative processes of exploring, creating, and evaluating. Learners will identify a real-life design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create a portfolio of evidence in real-time through the project to demonstrate their competence.