Product Design

You should be an independent, self-motivated learner and enjoy both the design and manufacture of textile products. You will need good textile design and manufacturing skills. You should enjoy and be good at planning your own learning, problem solving, working with others, and spoken communication. The following are also important: an aptitude for the use of information technology, and the ability to express your ideas in writing.

GCSE grade 6 or higher in Product Design.

Design and Technology A-level qualifications enable students to participate successfully and with confidence in an increasingly technological world. They will learn from the wider influences on the subject including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Study will focus on: • core technical and designing and making principles in product design. • developing additional specialist knowledge in relation to students’ chosen area, preparing them for progression into either higher education or careers in this sector. The content of this recently refreshed A-level course is modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices. The new qualification places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course plus coursework. There are 2 written exam papers please a non-exam assessment (NEA). Exams consist of short answer and extended response questions.

D&T plays an increasingly important role in the world. The skills that you learn on this course, and the qualification that you achieve, will help you to qualify for an enormous range of higher education courses and work placements. You could consider careers in: architecture, town planning, interior and product design, automotive design, exhibition design, mechanical, civil and aeronautical engineering & design management.