DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
The following courses will be offered at AS & A2 levels
1. Design & Technology Graphics
2. Design & Technology Product Design
Why should I opt for an Advanced Level course in Design & Technology?
- The Technology Department has won a number of National Awards for the standard of work produced by its students including the AQA A-level Technology Award. It has three purpose built Technology Studios/Workshops with ICT facilities.
- The Courses lead on from GCSE Graphic Products & Resistant Materials which are pre-requisite for entry onto the course.
- The Courses are linked to industrial practice.
- They develop skills of self discipline: essential skills for future work and study
- The courses are designed to develop creative thinking as well as build up skill levels in using different materials, machines, equipment and media.
Do I have the Necessary skills ?
You should have studied a Design based course in either Graphics or Resistant Materials to GCSE Level. Both courses require a high degree of self-discipline and an ability to meet coursework deadlines. A willingness to develop high presentation skills and to utilise the use of the department’s ICT facilities is an essential part of the courses. A limited number of places are available to students who have not followed one of these courses but are able to complete and pass a short Design assignment set by the department. See Mr Hennigan for details.
What is the difference between the two courses?
Design & Technology Product Design
This course focuses on the skills and processes involved in designing and making products in resistant materials such as Wood, Metal and Plastic. There is a strong emphasis on Engineering/Product Design skills and Craftsmanship in manipulating materials as well as Creative design.
Design & Technology Graphic Design
This course focuses on Graphic Design in all of its forms such as packaging, advertising, interior design, desktop publishing and computer graphics. There is a strong emphasis on developing Graphic Design Skills, which are used in the Advertising Industry and the use of ICT as a tool in which to design.
AS Design & Technology Product Design
Unit 1
Written Paper 50%
Two hour paper. Questions based on Materials and components related to Product Design. Classification and working properties of natural and manufactured materials along with the components required in the assembly and construction of products.
Unit 2
Coursework 50%
Design and make project including a design folio and 3-D manufactured outcome of approximately 50 hours duration.
Unit 3
Written Paper 50%
Two hour written paper based primarily on Design and Manufacture and consisting of two sections and includes synoptic assessment.
Unit 4
Coursework 50%
Major Design and make project including a design folio and 3-D manufactured outcome of approximately 60 hours duration.
AS Design & Technology Graphics
Unit 1 Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design
Written Paper 50%
Two hour paper. Questions on the uses for a range of materials, components and processes used in Graphic Products. Plus a range of questions on the use of computer aided design and manufacture in the graphics industry.
Unit 2
Product Development 50%
Students have to develop a Graphic product with two and three dimensional elements to it. This may be in the form of a promotional campaign for a local charity or area in which they live. The two dimensional work is produced using hand drawn graphics and the College’s ICT facilities. The three dimensional product which could be a pro type or scaled model is produced in the workshop using resistant materials such as wood, metal and plastic.
Unit 3
Further knowledge and understanding of Product Design 50%
Two hour paper. Further questions on the uses for a range of materials, components and processes used in Graphic Products. Plus a range of questions on the use of computer aided design and manufacture in the graphics industry. A strong emphasis is placed on commercial practice in this exam.
Unit 4
Commercial Product Development 50%
This is a major project using any material or combination of materials with a Graphic theme. The student selects the project choice, examples are as follows:
Food Packaging, Bar Design, Children’s Play equipment, Mini Disk player. The outcome will be a prototype or scaled model of the product. The Product must have a commercial use and be linked to a client outside the College environment.
For further information, please contact Mr Tony Hennigan, Head of Design & Technology.
