Courses
GCSE Product Design
This varied and wide-ranging course will see pupils working with a wide range of materials and packages. From freehand sketching to CAD/CAM modelling and desktop publishing, they’ll enjoy a wide exposure to different aspects of Product Design.
The subject is aimed at pupils who love problem-solving and taking ownership of a situation. It offers excellent opportunities in further education and the workplace. The course stimulates creative and intellectual abilities preparing pupils for the technological world.
Course content and assessment
Pupils select from two lists of tasks set by the exam board. They then manage their own project, identify the problem and produce a complete folio including models and mock-ups. Through these projects, pupils develop an understanding of how the subject impacts upon our lives.
Final assessment will be based on 60% for the coursework and 40% for the written examination.
A-level Product design
GCSE grade B is essential to undertake AS Product design. It combines well with all subjects and opens the door to numerous degrees and careers such as Architecture and Engineering.
AS & A2 Product Design
Spread over two years, pupils cover four units in total. A broad range of materials are investigated with emphasis placed on the life cycle of products, design, manufacture, disposal and environmental sustainability.
Unit one (written exam)
Here we cover materials & components, design & innovation, product analysis as well as industrial & commercial practice.
Subjects include:
•Principles of designing
•Research techniques
•Properties of materials and components
•Manufacturing products – Environmental sustainability
•Health and Safety issues + ergonomics + anthropometrics
•CAD/CAM – rapid prototyping
Unit two (coursework)
This involves one design and a series of projects, i.e. a portfolio of design work and 3D made outcomes. The projects will develop the following skills:
•ICT
•Freehand design drawings
•Knowledgeable approach to research and analysis
•Design
Unit three (written exam)
Pupils focus on production systems & control.
Subject content includes:
• Human responsibility (Health & Safety & market legislation & sustainable issues)
• Processes: Hand & machine method (CAD/CAM)
• Public interaction: Market research & product life cycle
• Production systems + control: The use of ICT by industry
Unit four
This is purely coursework.
Students submit a single, substantial design that incorporates a portfolio and 3D outcome(s).
Key skills developed include:
•Research
•Analysis
•Problem solving
•ICT
•Creativity
•Presentation
•Modeling
Students are assessed every six weeks.
