Subject Staff
- Mrs Philippa Johnston (Head of Department)
- Mrs Helen May
Course Content: AQA Design and Technology – Product Design
New specification for first teaching in 2017. The course is assessed across three areas:
- Technical Principles
- Designing and Making Principles
- Specialist Knowledge
Students study the historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology. Enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing wonderful products. They use creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
The 2 year course is assessed by 50% NEA (coursework) 50% Exam, both of which are completed in year two of this linear course.
Course Content
A Level Product Design Resources
- http://www.technologystudent.com/
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/as-and-a-level/design-and-technology-product-design-7552
Assessment in A Level Product Design
Year | Assessment Date | Focus/Unit Title | Assessment objectives | Type of Asessment | Grade Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 12 | Term 1 | Summer work design challenge | AO2 - Designing | Presentation | A*-E |
Understanding properties of materials | AO4 - Knowledge | Exam questions | |||
Term 2 | Project 1 - Product investigation | AO1 - Investigating | Mini project | ||
Sustainability issues | AO3 - Evaluating | Exam questions | |||
Term 3 | Project 2 - Designing | AO2 - Designing | Mini project | ||
Computers in Design and manufacture | AO4 - Knowledge | Exam questions | |||
Term 4 | Project 3 - Making | AO2 - Making | Final prototype | ||
Health and safety issues | AO4 - Knowledge | Exam questions | |||
Term 5 | Year 12 exam - Paper 1 | ||||
Project 4 - inclusive design | AO1 - Investigating | Mini project | |||
Term 6 | Identifying design possibilities | AO1 - Investigating | NEA | ||
Summer | Generating design ideas | AO2 - Designing | NEA | ||
Year 13 | Term 1 | Developing design proposals | AO2 - Designing | NEA | |
Term 2 | Development of design prototype | AO2 - Developing | NEA | ||
Term 3 | Making design prototype | AO2 - Making | NEA | ||
Term 4 | Final Evaluation | AO3 - Evaluating | NEA | ||
Term 5 | Mock - Papers 1 & 2 | Various | |||
Term 6 | Revision & Exam Prep | Various |
Marking and Feedback
Assessment feedforward sheets are used as part of the assessment marking process at the end of each unit which usually marries up to each term. Staff comments provide guidance on how students can improve their level of understanding. Staff are expected to review all peer assessed and self-assessed work and provide guidance when necessary.
Student folders are taken in by the class teacher at least twice per term (based on a standard 6 week term). Teachers will specifically indicate what work will and will not be marked in order to give our students a clear idea of what is expected from them and so they can always present their best work. Students are encouraged to self- and peer-assess their work through the use of our Green and Purple pens.
Homework
- Homework is set in line with the School Homework Policy. At A Level Product Design the intended length of homework should normally be 5 hours per week
- Homework typically includes working on the practical assignments, practice exam questions, consolidation homework , wider reading and flipped learning work
Supporting your son or daughter in Product Design
- Support your son/daughter to take part in extra activities such as lectures, visits and trips
- Encourage wider reading around the subject
- Make sure that your son/daughter equipment for lessons – A4 files and paper plus pens, notes and filing materials
- Help them to spot where they need more help and encourage them to participate fully