Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

Year 12 Pupils will spend 80% of their timetabled lessons focusing on the theoretical aspects of the course. They will learn in a variety of styles of theory lessons, including practical / making tasks, production lines, student teacher, team presentations and design tasks. Students will receive timely assessments of units so students can take ownership over their progress. The remaining 20% of their timetabled lessons will focus on developing student’s use and confidence in CAD/CAM techniques. Students will hone their skills in 2D Design and use this to independently programme and use the laser cutter. Students will also gain experience in using Sketch Up, TinkerCAD and Fusion 360, progressing towards the ability to select the appropriate software to develop their own CAD drawings and use the 3D Printer. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own small-scale product to highlight their use of CAD/CAM and hand making skills to create and communicate their ideas. Year 13 In Year 13, students will continue to develop their theory knowledge and application in preparation for their A Level examination. In addition to this, they will begin their NEA which will form 50% of their overall grade. In this project they will be given the opportunity to explore a specialism, focus and context of their own choosing. This freedom of choice will allow students to select a particular interest or passion which they have within design, examples of previous focuses have been for architecture, mental health, sports, caring for animals and furniture design. Students will be given the opportunity to complete a much more complex and rigorous design-and-make task with the opportunity to develop links with local brands and companies.