Design and Technology – AS / A Level
Course outline
The AS and A Level Design Technology (Product Design) course offers suitable progression for students who have worked in graphic products, resistant materials technology or textiles at GCSE.
This challenging and enjoyable course gives students the opportunity to identify and solve real problems and is expected to have a broad appeal, with students able to work in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests or future intended careers.
AS and A Level Design Technology (Product Design) is taught by experienced and enthusiastic design staff. We encourage our students to adopt an imaginative and innovative approach to their design work, which allows them to develop their capacity for creativity and independence. The design and make tasks also enable students to gain a range of advanced making skills, using both traditional and computer aided manufacturing methods.
A very large majority of our A Level students continue to study Design in Higher Education. Courses they have undertaken include Product Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Town and Country Planning, Interior Architecture, Quantity Surveying etc.
| Year 12 |
Year 13 |
Autumn Term
• Introduction to course
• Look at exemplar work
• Choose topic
• Begin Design Process
• Begin sketchbooks
• Investigation and research – Product Analysis and disassembly
• Developing a specification
• Generating and developing ideas and proposals
• A weekly DT1 theory lesson
• Review of theory work at end of term |
Autumn Term
• Look at exemplar work
• Continue Design Process
• Continue sketchbooks
• Analysis, research and developing a design specification
• Generating and developing innovative ideas and proposals |
Spring Term
• DT1 Exam sat in January
• Generating and developing ideas and proposals
• Detail designing
• Planning for making
• Selecting and testing materials and processes
• Complete sketchbooks
• Manufacture final outcome
• Evaluating and decision making
• Internal assessment and external moderation |
Spring Term
• Detail designing
• Planning for making
• Selecting and testing materials and processes
• Complete sketchbooks
• Manufacture final outcome
• Evaluating, reflecting and decision making
• A weekly DT3 theory lesson
• Review of theory work at end of term
• DT3 Exam sat in June
• Internal assessment and external moderation |
Summer Term
• Begin Year 13 course after main exams.
• Introduction to course
• Choose topic set by WJEC.
• Look at exemplar work
• Begin Design Process
• Begin sketchbooks |
Summer Term |
Homework
Frequency
In Years 12 and 13, students are encouraged to use some of their study periods to work on their Design coursework, and several students use the DT area to continue with work independently. To pass this course, students must use both study periods and some time at home or after school in order to complete the work set. Students use this time to complete coursework, research and manufacture their outcomes. Coursework homework is not formally set as students are working on individual projects, but it is vital that they begin a routine early on, of working on their coursework regularly. Students are given formal theory homework on a weekly basis in preparation for their theory examinations.
Student Grouping
Students are in mixed ability groups within the subject options. Groups vary in size each year; on average a 6th form class will have approximately 10 students in each year.
Assessment Pattern
Work is assessed informally during lessons in order to help students to make progress. Interim assessments take place at least once every half term, in order to give feedback on the strengths and areas to work on, along with current and potential grades. Students also undertake self assessment and peer assessment, in order to help their understanding of the assessment criteria.
Recommended wider reading
Any visits to exhibitions or displays encourage and improve students’ awareness of design and designers work. We would encourage students to draw, design, and take part in craft based interests outside school where possible. Any design or general Design History based books are worth looking at to help with inspiration. The school library is now building up a good collection, and some books are available in the department.
How can you help your child?
Encouragement with their work, and ensuring that they work regularly on their coursework. Materials to manufacture their outcomes can be purchased through the department if you wish; alternatively you can support your child by independently sourcing and purchasing materials. Helping students to visit exhibitions, or to collect first-hand research for their work will certainly help to support them.
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