Design and Technology (Product Design)

Assessment

The course is split into 2 exam papers and an NEA, which are outlined below. Technical Principles (Exam) 30% of total A-Level This exam is a mixture of short answer and extended response questions that focus on technical principles. Some of the areas covered are: • Materials and their applications • Enhancement of materials • The use of finishes • Modern industrial & commercial practice Designing & Making Principles (Exam) 20% of total A-Level This exam is a mixture of short answer and extended response questions. The paper is split into 2 sections; Section A covers a product analysis, and Section B covers commercial manufacture. Practical application (NEA) 50% of total A-Level The NEA (non-examined assessment) is the practical application of the technical, designing & making principles. Students will create a written or digital design portfolio and a final prototype of a product which solves a problem that they have researched. It could be looking at an existing product and improving it, or finding a solution to a problem for a particular client/user.