Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

The AQA Product Design A-Level enables students to develop an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components. Students will look at the broader issues of design including the environmental impact of products and their manufacture; methods in which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products; health and safety issues relevant to working with materials; computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM); ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design, and consumer safety; the life cycle of products including manufacture, use and functional aspects and final disposal. The course here is designed to cover both the board’s specification and that of expanding a student’s design capability towards further education. The course is set up in Year 12 to give a broad foundation in design practice – these skills are intended to bring out a student’s creativity, allow them to find their strengths in the subject, and build their independence in learning. Key skills in sketching/drawing, CAD, and 3D modeling are taught and encouraged as the basis for visualizing ideas. Knowledge and understanding of wider design issues and technology are also regularly taught. The tuition covers a broad range of content from the underpinning theory, design/ideation skills, sketching, and design drawing through to CAD (Computer Aided Design). Evidence for assessment is compiled as an e-portfolio but produced in a wide range of software packages: • Full Adobe Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign • CAD – Fusion 360, CREO, Keyshot, 2D Design. • CAM - 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cam machines