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Design Technology/Product Design

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Design Technology students at Charters School will be using an iterative design approach to widen their understanding of a variety of materials and manufacturing processes through a series of design and make projects. They will develop an awareness of the current social and environmental impacts that Design Technology has during the entire product lifecycle.

This means:

  • They will learn about types, sources and properties of a variety of materials.
  • Via application, they will learn a range of processes used to manufacture products as scale models or working prototypes.
  • They will apply investigation strategies to inform the development of their designs.
  • Innovative design strategies will be adopted to ensure their product is fit for purpose.
  • They will develop analytical and evaluative skills and be confident enough to self-reflect, which leads to further exploration of ideas.
  • They will understand how to identify and fulfil client needs to ensure a successful and marketable product.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Design and Technology (Product Design)enables the following.

Equipping students with design skills for the future Students will be able to recognise design needs and develop an understanding of how current global issues, including integrating technology, impacts on today’s world.

Encourages creativity and innovation – At A Level students will have the confidence to innovate and produce creative design solutions as they develop their own design brief with a client user.

Clear routes through the specification – We’ve listened to your feedback and our specification aims to demystify the new rules around the new qualification requirements to make sure you know precisely what you have to teach.

Progression from GCSE and beyond to HE/Careers We’ve designed the GCSE and AS/A Level qualifications together to ensure clear progression of knowledge, understanding and design/making skills so that students will have a coherent experience of moving from the breadth of the GCSE to the specialisation depth of A Level and beyond.

COURSE DETAILS

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Design Technology (Product Design) (9DT0)
Students work will be assessed in 2 component parts.

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology written examination which is 2 hours 30 minutes in length accounts for 50% of the qualification.

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project (NEA) The portfolio will contain approximately 40 sides of A3 paper (or electronic equivalent).

There are four parts to the assessment:

Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design
Identification and investigation of a design possibility, investigation of client/end user needs, wants and values, research and production of a specification

Part 2: Designing a prototype
Design ideas, development of design idea, final design solution, review of development and final design and communication of design ideas

Part 3: Making a final prototype
Design, manufacture and realisation of a final prototype, including tools and equipment and quality and accuracy

Part 4: Evaluating own design and prototype
Testing and evaluation

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: PEARSON EDEXCEL

 

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.

Complementary Subjects

A Level Design Technology (Product Design) provides the students with an opportunity to consider their ideas and products ready for the ‘real world’ Factoring in aspects from scale of production to new technology and the developing world. Complementary subjects which go well with Product Design include Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Art, Business, Economics.

Future Opportunities

With a qualification in Product Design you can go onto study: Architecture, Engineering, Mechanical/Civil/Product/Electrical/Aeronautical Electronics, Furniture Design, CAD, CGI, Product Design, Industrial Design, Website/Graphic/Theatre/Interior/Model-making

Be Inspired by Exploring Further

BOOKS

Structures or Why Things Don’t Fall Down  by J E Gordon

For anyone who has ever wondered why suspension bridges don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back-or give way under-thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper or a kangaroo, this book will ease your anxiety and answer your questions. J. E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose.

The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman

Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we try to figure out the shower control in a hotel or attempt to navigate an unfamiliar television set or stove. When The Design of Everyday Things was published in 1988, cognitive scientist Don Norman provocatively proposed that the fault lies not in ourselves, but in design that ignores the needs and psychology of people. 

PODCAST

The Honest Designers Show

A transparent look into life as a modern designer

YouTube

The B1M 

The B1M is a YouTube channel for construction. Over 20 million people watch their videos each month. They inspire a better industry by sharing knowledge and expertise with a mass audience.