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A
Level results
AS
Level Results
In
2004 over 95% achieved A and B grades.
A2
Level Results
In
2004 over 70% achieved A and B grades.
DESIGN
& TECHNOLOGY (AQA)
There
are two specifications on offer
1
Product Design: 3D Design
2
Product Design: Textiles
The
Nature of Design and Technology
The
distinguishing feature of any Design and Technology course
is its practical nature. Knowledge and understanding is not
to be acquired purely for its own sake, but in order to apply
it to the solution of practical problems which arise in everyday
life and in industrial and commercial contexts. Designing
is a process based activity involving the progressive engagement
with a problem which requires thinking, creating, inventing,
predicting, experimenting, decision making, constant evaluation
and where necessary modification. Designers develop an awareness
of the opportunities and constraints placed upon them by taking
account of the demands of users and producers and of market
forces. These activities draw upon relevant skills and knowledge
which are enriched by the application of human values.
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
A
minimum of grade B in GCSE Design and Technology full or short
course, and considerable enthusiasm for the subject and evidence
of creative and technical skills.
How is the course structured and what are the assessment
arrangements?
Section A Materials and Components: Candidates will have the opportunity
to study and work with a range of materials. To include:
Classification of materials, working properties of materials,
manipulating and combining materials.
Section B Design and Market Influences: Study in this area will introduce
candidates to the broader perspectives of the design world.
To include: Development of technologies and design, design
in practice and design in the human context.
Section C Processes and Manufacture: This section should provide
candidates with knowledge of manufacturing systems used in
the production of commercial products. To include: Industrial
and commercial practice, product manufacturing, systems and
control.
Examples
of AS and A2 Product Design Coursework
Assessment Arrangements (both courses)
AS
(A Level Part I)
| UNIT
1 |
Written
paper 1½ hours |
Four
questions based primarily on Materials & Components. Question
one is compulsory; candidates then answer two of the remaining
three questions. |
30%
of the total AS level marks |
15%
of the total A level marks |
| UNIT
2 |
Coursework |
Approximately
40 hours |
40%
of the total AS level marks |
20%
of the total A level marks |
| UNIT
3 |
Written
paper 1½ hours |
All
questions compulsory and based on a theme sent to centres
in March. This paper will assess primarily Design & Market
influences. |
30%
of the total AS level marks |
15%
of the total A level marks |
Click
here to see the specification for AS
Product Design: 3D and Textiles
Click here for a full specification from AQA
A2 (A
Level Part II)
| UNIT
4 |
Product
Study |
Approximately
20 hours. An in depth study of the designing and making
of a product. |
15%
of the total A level marks |
| UNIT
5 |
Project |
Approximately
50 hours. |
15%
of the total A level marks |
| UNIT
6 |
Written
Paper 3 hours |
This
paper contains 3 sections. A choice of two questions will
be provided for each section of the course content. Candidates
must answer one question from each section plus one other
from any section. |
20%
of the total A level marks |
Click
here to see the specification for A2
Product Design: 3D and Textiles
Click
here for a full specification from AQA
Frequently
asked questions
What can
I do outside the classroom to extend my learning?
Extra
curricular activities - Technology workshops, Organized visits
to museums, exhibitions and galleries. Participation in the
Surrey SATRO competition.
Independent
study
Visits to museums, galleries and exhibitions to support coursework
research. Participation in practical courses run during the
weekends and holidays. Regularly update knowledge of developments
within the design field using magazines, books, television
and the internet.
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Higher
Education Opportunities
Product
Design: 3D or Textiles An A-Level course may be followed by
a one year foundation course and a three or four year BA degree.
Alternatively, students may enter directly into three or four
year BA, BSc or BEng degrees or a vocational qualification.
There are a broad range of course combinations and Product
Design can be studied with business studies, languages, retail
management.
Career
Opportunities
Product
Design: 3D Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Architect,
Industrial Designer, Creative Director, Engineer, Teacher,
TV and Film Set Designer,
Product Design: Textiles Fashion Designer, Theatre Costume
Designer, Textile Technologist, Textile Conservationist, Retail
Manager, Buyer, Fashion Illustrator, Teacher.
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