Entry Requirements

D & T – Grade 6 (in any area)

Examination Board: AQA

Introduction/General Advice and Requirements

Following a Design and Technology course at this level provides the opportunity for students to add a dimension to their education that will assist them in becoming informed decision makers in a technological age. The course has been constructed as a development of the National Curriculum GCSE Design and Technology.

The A level is highly regarded by all universities as an indicator of capability in a society that is ever changing, often as a result of design innovation. Experience of a GCSE Design and Technology syllabus is preferable. Any of the D & T GCSE courses would serve as a suitable foundation and a grade 6 or above would represent evidence of potential for further development at A level.

Course Content & Assessment

SYLLABUS

The syllabus is designed to enable students to:

• Analyse design situations and requirements

• Design, make, test, evaluate and where appropriate, modify or produce quality solutions/prototypes to satisfy design needs.

• Examine the implications of industrial production with regard to products, but also in a wider global sense

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of manufacturing technologies and the implications for product/system design and production

• Acquire interest in and enthusiasm for, the processes of overcoming design and making challenges by producing quality design solutions

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

Paper 1 

Technical Principles

Written examination 2 hours 30 minutes 30% of A Level

Paper 2 

Specialist knowledge, technical designing and making principles

Written examination 2 hours 20% of A Level

Non – Examined Assessment (NEA) 

Submitted May of Year13

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge Substantial design and Make task using digital design portfolio

45 hours

50% of A Level

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

An extremely broad range of career opportunities exists for students specialising in Design and Technology. These vary from any of the engineering disciplines through Product and Graphic Design into architecture, fashion design and advertising.

A Level Independent Learning