AS/A2 Design Technology - Product Design - Graphic Products

What are the entry requirements?

A grade C GCSE pass or above in a related Design Technology subject area such as, Resistant Materials, Graphic Products, Textiles, Food, or Systems and Control. Students with other backgrounds, particularly in Art, and a grade C pass or above in the relevant subject will be considered. Students who have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject, but without the design based qualification will need to complete a design task set by Head of Department.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

We follow the EDEXCEL specification. You will use the design process to design, manufacture, test and evaluate practical solutions to design problems. To support your design work, you will study a number of Design Theory topics. These range from the study of materials, manufacturing processes, printing and packaging, through to the work and influence of design movements and professional designers. Practical design forms a major element of your work. During both years of your course you will produce a design portfolio and product models. Coursework has two elements – a 2D and 3D outcome. You will have a finished 3D model along with some supporting printed work produced with the aid of Desk Top Publishing. You can steer your A2 project choice toward your eventual career or Higher Education aspirations.

Specific Skills

• Enjoy sketching and drawing as these skills form a considerable part of the course.
• Have a proven interest and enthusiasm for all areas of design and the work of designers.
• Enjoy finding solutions to practical and graphic problems.
• Be prepared to use our machinery to work with wood, metal, plastic and traditional modelling materials to manufacture product models.
• Be ready to work with a range of design software packages e.g. Pro Desk Top, Techsoft 2D Design, Photoshop and Google Sketch Up.

Course Structure

AS Year

Unit 1 – Portfolio of Creative skills – Coursework – 60% of AS (30% of total GCE marks)

Unit 2 – Design and Technology in practice (Graphic Products) – 1 Hour 30 min Exam Paper – 40% of AS (20% of total GCE marks)

A2 Year

Unit 3 – Designing for the future – 2 Hour Exam Paper – 40% of A2 (20% of total GCE marks)

Unit 4 - Commercial Design (Graphic Products) – Coursework – 60% of A2 (30% of total GCE marks) Project of your choice agreed with DT staff.

Homework and Independent Study

The recommended time that you should spend on your homework is around 5 hours per week.

Much of this time will be taken up with the production of your design portfolio, but there will be written assignments as well. The facilities of the Department can be used outside normal timetabled lessons and you will be encouraged to spend some of your study time in the Department.

Does Design Technology link particularly well with other subjects?

If you are considering studying an engineering discipline then you could combine your study of Design Technology with Maths and Physics. Whereas for degree courses in the areas of creative design then the study of Art and Design would be beneficial.

Where might it lead?

Over the past 4 years about 70% of our students go on to University. Of these 45% have taken design or engineering courses. Other students have taken Art foundation courses, modern apprenticeships or gone straight into paid employment.