Product Design

Course summary

Why study the subject This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. Course structure Year 12 Through a practical approach students build on their knowledge at GCSE of technical principles. They also complete the first of their design portfolios leading to a final prototype. Year 13 Students’ understanding of technical principles and design is further developed in the second year of A Level. The second of their two design portfolios is completed which also leads to a final prototype. Unit content All assessment objectives are covered within Year 12 and Year 13 through exam assessed and non-exam assessed tasks. • Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants. • Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose. • Analyse and evaluate: design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others wider issues in design and technology. • Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles and designing and making principles. Skills Acquired • Be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise whilst considering their role as responsible designers and citizens. • Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world. • Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners. • Gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries. • Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients. Students suited to the course Students who have a passion for design and who are creative problem solvers should consider studying Product Design. What other subjects it combines well with Students should develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, to inform their decisions in design and the application or development of technology. There are clear links between aspects of the course content and other subject areas. • Business Studies shows clear links with the enterprise and marketing in the development of products. • Art and Design has strong links with the design communication element of the course. • History within the design theory section of the course. This is not an exhaustive list, and there are other opportunities within the specification for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A Level. Students must also demonstrate mathematics and science skills. Career or HE the course leads to The skills you learn are also transferable across a broad range of subjects and careers, such as problem solving, the ability to analyse and think creatively. If you would like to study any design based course at university, A Level Product Design provides an excellent foundation. This course is also suited to anybody who plans to complete an alternative design related higher education route such as apprenticeships due to the practical nature of the course. Co-curricular Trips and visits and design competitions.