Design and Technology: Product Design A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

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“If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.” Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover

All objects/items that you have used today including the screen you are staring at, have been designed by someone. The reason that you will use them without thinking is due to good design. A designer holds one of the most influential roles in society as their products have an unmatched impact on users lives. Especially in today’s climate, Product Designers have the task of solving some of the world’s greatest problems. By designing products, that will help to solve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

If you love innovation and you are not afraid to fail on your journey to excellence, then this is the course for you.

Qualities Required

You should be passionate about designing and making creative products. You need to enjoy coursework and the problem-solving processes in reaching a Final Design. Exploring a range of possible solutions using rigorous, analytical and fluent communication skills to propose the most viable conclusion should be one of your targets.

Links with other subjects

Product Design is an excellent choice in any combination of other subjects as it promotes problem solving/creativity in a commercially realistic setting. Particularly strong vocational combinations might include Business, Physics, Mathematics, Art or Computer Science

Product Design is focused towards consumer products and applications; their analysis in respect of materials, components, and marketability to understand their selection and uses in industrial and commercial practices of product development.

At A-Level:

Exam: 26.7% of A-Level (1hr 30 minutes - written paper)

• Analyse existing products
• Demonstrate their technical knowledge of materials, product functionality, manufacturing processes and techniques
• Demonstrate applied mathematical skills
• Demonstrate their understanding of wider social, moral and environmental issues that impact on design/manufacturing industries.

Problem Solving: 23.3% of A-level (1hr 45 minutes - written paper)

• Apply their knowledge, understanding and skills of designing and manufacturing prototypes and products
• Demonstrate their higher thinking skills to solve problems and evaluate situations and suitability of design solutions.

Iterative Design Project: 50% of A-level (Approx. 65 hrs Non-Examined Assessment)

• The ‘Iterative Design Project’ requires learners to undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project centred on the iterative processes of explore, create and evaluate.
• Learners identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create a portfolio of evidence in real time through the project to demonstrate their competence.

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

Visits to places of industrial interest are vital to the understanding of Product Design. Many links exist between our department and outside agencies, and professional help is often sought for project work, involving state of the art processes.

• Exams: 50% Externally Assessed
• Iterative Design Project: 50% Internally Assessed

5 in the relevant Design Technology and 5 in Mathematics.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

Destinations for A-Level Product Design students have, in the past, included - Product Design/Architecture/Civil Engineering/Fashion Design/Building Surveying degrees at Loughborough, University of Sheffield, Liverpool John Moores, Leeds University, and a number of other Russell Group institutions.