A Level - Product Design

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Course Summary

Subject: Product Design

Course Title: A Level - Product Design

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

The subject is perfect for students who have a genuine interest in product based design and how it affects our everyday lives. Students will identify a problem and design context and then develop a range of potential solutions which include the use of computer aided design and evidence of modelling. Students will be expected to make decisions about the designing and development of the prototype in conjunction with the opinions of the client/end user. They will then create a solution through practical making activities with evidence of project management and plan for production. They will incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype may have on the environment and will analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes for prototypes/products made by themselves and others. Students will analyse and evaluate the wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.

Areas of Study

• Performance characteristics of materials • Processes and techniques • Digital technologies • Factors influencing the development of products • Effects of technological developments • Potential hazards and risk assessment • Features of manufacturing industries • Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment • Current legislation • Information handling, Modelling and forward planning • Further processes and techniques

Course Entry Guidelines

In addition to the Sixth Form entry criteria, students wishing to study this subject are required to have a minimum grade 6 in Product Design at GCSE (or equivalent).