KS5 Design Technology
Subject Overview:
Design Technology students have five lessons each week to explore materials, product design, and creative techniques, applying their skills to practical projects with professional guidance.
Design Technology students receive weekly homework and are encouraged to invest extra time in refining design prototypes, researching materials, and enhancing their technical knowledge through independent exploration.
A-level students delve into the AQA Design and Technology: Product Design (7552) specification, a comprehensive program that explores innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving through creative product development. This course equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, focusing on areas such as materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design.
A-level Design Technology students are encouraged to use additional workshop time to further develop their practical skills. This extra time allows them to work on personal projects while also contributing to initiatives that benefit the school community. These activities not only enhance their technical abilities but also foster a sense of collaboration and service.
Curriculum:
- Materials and their applications
- Testing materials
- Performance characteristics of materials
- Design methods and processes
- Design theory
- Technology and cultural changes
- Design processes
- Critical analysis and evaluation
- Selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes
- Accuracy in design and manufacture
- Responsible design
- Design for manufacture
- Enhancement of materials
- Forming, redistribution and addition processes
- The use of finishes
- Modern and industrial commercial practice
- Digital design and manufacture
- Product design and development
- Health and safety
- Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal
- Enterprise and marketing in the development of products
- Design communication
- Technology and cultural changes
- Design processes – prototype development
- Design processes – iterative design in commercial contexts
- Design theory
- Selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes
- Responsible design
- Design for manufacture and project management
- National and international standards in product design
- Performance characteristics of materials
- Forming, redistribution and addition processes
- The use of finishes
- Modern and industrial commercial practice
- Digital design and manufacture
- Digital design and manufacture
- The requirements for product design and development
- Protecting designs and intellectual property
- Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal
- Feasibility studies
- Enterprise and marketing in the development of products
- Modern manufacturing systems
- Detailed product study
- Detailed product comparison
- Detailed product analysis
- Exam preparation
- By this point in the academic year, we have completed the course content and we are focusing on revision, exam technique and pace. Revision for this term continues on the speaking examination but with an additional focus on examination questions for the Listening, Reading and Writing parts of the exam.
Assessments:
Students begin their A-Level Art coursework in the spring term of Year 12, contributing to 60% of their final grade. This coursework continues through to the spring term of Year 13, culminating in a two-day mock exam that mirrors the final exam experience. This setup allows students to practice working under exam conditions, showcasing their completed coursework and preparing for the structure of their final assessment.
After completing their coursework, students receive a final assignment, which they complete in a two-day exam during the summer term of Year 13.
