A Level - Design Technology

Course Summary

Subject: Design and Technology

Course Title: A Level - Design Technology

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

Introduction and Course Description

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.

A Level Design and Technology provides an opportunity for students to involve themselves in practical problem solving activities and relate knowledge and skills to that activity. This course is suitable for boys who have studied GCSE Design and Technology, ideally with a Grade 7 or above. You need a good interest in designing and making and how things work in general. During the two-year course (linear) students will be expected to look at design within the real world and, as part of their project work, identify and solve problems taken from situations identified by them.

Design and Technology provides a course which gives a broad and balanced approach to advanced design studies with special attention to ‘hands on’ experience across a wide range of design and technological activities. The course encourages innovation and takes into account the varied interests of students and enables them to learn about design in a design, make, test and evaluate context. They will also develop an awareness of the social implications of design and technology, perceptual sensitivity, aesthetic judgement and the ability to design functionally for a variety of situations.

Subject Content

Below is a list of all of the topics studied within this course.

Core technical include:

• Materials and their applications
• The requirements for product design, development and manufacture
• Design communication
• Digital design and manufacture
• Efficient use of materials
• Health and safety
• Feasibility studies
• Design for manufacturing, maintenance and repair
• Protecting designs and intellectual property
• Enterprise and marketing in the development of products

Core designing and making skills include:

• Design theory
• Technology and cultural impacts
• Design processes
• Evaluation of products
• Responsible design
• Approaches to project management

Additional specialist knowledge include:

• Characteristics and working properties of materials
• Performance characteristics of materials
• Adhesives and fixings
• Surface finishes and coatings
• Industrial and commercial practices
• Manufacturing processes

Future Opportunities

Careers in design and technology require a good general education, the ability to conceive, develop and apply ideas creatively, with imagination, conviction and tenacity to see the job through. In addition, the ability to communicate and get on with other people is essential because designers and professional engineers normally work as a part of a team. They must have knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods and bear in mind safety, costs and reliability.

All universities accept this qualification for most courses including Engineering, Design and related courses, as well as courses in Management, Humanities, Architecture and Planning

Careers can be found in the following areas:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Product Design and Engineering/Manufacture
• Teaching and Graphic Design

Course Entry Guidelines

This course is suitable for boys who have studied GCSE Design and Technology, ideally with a Grade 7 or above.

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