A
Level results
AS Level in 2008 75% achieved A and
B grades.
A2 Level Results in 2008 84% achieved
A and B grades.
The specification on offer is AQA 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 AS (A Level Part I) This specification is
new for 2008-9
| UNIT 1 |
Written paper 2 hours |
Four questions based primarily on Materials & Components and
consisting of three sections. |
|
25% of the total A level marks |
| |
|
Section 1 contains compulsory limited response questions. |
80 marks |
|
| |
|
Section 2 offers a choice of one question from two |
50% of the total AS level marks |
|
| |
|
Section 3 contains one compulsory question. |
|
|
| UNIT 2 |
Coursework |
Approximately 50 hours |
50% of the total AS level marks |
25% 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.
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: 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
Fashion Designer, Theatre Costume Designer, Textile Technologist,
Textile Conservationist, Retail Manager, Buyer, Fashion Illustrator,
Teacher.
