Design Technology

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry criteria for an AS programme of study including at least a C grade in GCSE English Language. It is desirable for candidates to have studied GCSE Design & Technology before commencing work on this specification.

It is important for students to note that 50% of AS marks and 50% of A2 marks are determined through written examinations.

About the Subject

The AQA specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.

In any Design & Technology course it is important that candidates can communicate their thinking clearly and represent their ideas graphically, although it must be noted that Units 2 & 4 - project work, require three dimensional outcomes.

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in AS		 Weighting in
A2
PD1D Materials and
Components Exam		 Written Exam
(2 hours)		 June 50% 25%
PD2D Design and
Manufacture Project		 Coursework May 50% 25%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting in
A2
PD3D Design and Manufacture
Exam		 Written Exam June 25%
PD4D Design and Manufacture
Project		 Coursework May 25%

General Information

The AS course

Materials and Components Exam

As a student of product design it is important to become familiar with a range of materials. You should be able to identify materials and processes to make informed decisions as to the suitability of specific materials for particular applications.

Design and Manufacture Project

A design and manufacture project chosen by the department. It will contain aspects of industrial and commercial practices.

The A2 course

Design and Manufacture Exam
  • The paper will require knowledge on the following:
  • Materials in relation to product manufacture
  • Health and Safety
  • Natural resources, conservation and recycling
  • Understanding of CAM in relation to industrial production
Design and Manufacture Project

A single ‘Design and Manufacture’ project, chosen by the student and agreed with the department. The student must provide a practical solution to a design problem, using any relevant materials.

What Next?

As the knowledge base required for design technology is broad and varied, so the opportunities after A level Design Technology are broad and varied. It is possible to progress to a wide range of degree courses, such as automotive design, product design, architecture and many more, offered at Universities in the North West and around the country.