Course Description

This creative and thought-provoking course gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers; especially those in the creative industries. Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing products of their choice. Students work in a range of resistant and compliant materials and use a variety of manufacturing methods, usually of their choosing.

Contact:	Mr A Hutchinson	Exam Board:	WJEC (EDUQAS)
QAN:	60311782	Subject Code:	Dt

The Course

In this course students are expected to respond to real world design problems and to produce prototype products to solve them. The course starts with some higher level graphics and modelling skills which prepares students for the NEA. Lessons are then a combination of learning the theory whilst undertaking the NEA at the same time. Students get to identify and write their own briefs and then follow the iterative design process, recording the design journey in their sketchbooks. The whole design process is one of independence and investigation.

Students are taught a wide variety of construction and finishing techniques through practical tasks and whole class demonstrations. The single exam at the end of the course requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of materials, construction methods and design influences.

Design and its importance in society is at the heart of the course and students who have a genuine interest in design and making will find this a stimulating, thought provoking and thoroughly rewarding course.

Entry Requirements 

Minimum Grade 5 in GCSE Design and Technology. Evidence of high levels of commitment and teacher recommendations are required. Students will also need to be competent mathematicians as a fair proportion of the exam will be maths-based questions. Therefore, a minimum Grade 5 in Maths will also be required.

Possible Subject Combinations

• Any of the Science subjects
• Any other Design & Technology subject
• Maths
• Art (potential coursework considerations)

What do the students say?

It was the coursework that forced me to be independent and to take charge of the project. I really enjoyed the challenge.

The teachers are really helpful but also push you to be independent and to develop your skills as you go through the course.

Where can Design and Technology take me?

A Level Design and Technology allows candidates to progress to higher levels of design and Higher Education courses with more specific career paths.

Studying Design and Technology can lead to many career opportunities including Product Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, Furniture Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design and their associated industries.

Assessment