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D&T: Product Design

6th Form

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides candidates with skills and tools which can enhance their awareness for a responsible attitude to social, environmental and moral and ethical issues relating to Product Design. (Using a variety of media, the problem solving nature of the course will encourage independent learning, personal responsibility, creativity and innovation, both graphically and practically).

The course aims to develop creativity, design and technological capability through the production of high quality outcomes, a critical understanding of the influences of current products and historical ones, the use of ICT and CAD/CAM to enhance design and make capability and an awareness of consumer issues relating to this subject.

 

COURSE CONTENT

AS UNITS:

Unit 1:  Materials and Components, Design and Market Influences and Processes and Manufacture

(2 hour written exam)

Students will develop their understanding and knowledge of materials and components, their properties and their applications regarding the life cycle of products, including manufacture, use and disposal. (This will be done through product analysis encompassing environmental sustainability, inclusive design and consumer safety.)

Unit 2

Design and make unit (50 hours) where knowledge is applied to a brief. Students will produce a portfolio of research, design development, evaluation and practical outcomes.
 

A2 UNITS:

Unit 3: Materials and Components, Design and Market Influences and Processes and Manufacture

(2 hour written exam)

This involves looking at the work of designers and at manufacturing systems, technological developments and marketing and an understanding of the technical, economic, aesthetic, social, environmental, moral and ethical that surround the design process.

Unit 4

Design and make unit (60 hours) where knowledge is applied to a brief. Students will produce a portfolio of research, design development, evaluation and a single practical outcome based upon the needs of a specific client.

 

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

An Advanced Level in Product Design would be good grounding in materials and 3D design for anyone considering a Foundation Art course or for a degree in subjects such as 3D Design, Product Design, Automotive Design, Industrial Design, Architecture and Engineering. It would also support students considering entry into employment in these and related areas.

 

GCSE GRADE PROFILE

Students who wish to study this subject will normally have achieved A* to C in a range of GCSE subjects and preferably at least a grade B in Design and Technology.