Why study Design Technology?

Good design is vital to our world and our economy. Innovation, creativity, problem solving, experimenting. There is a strong demand for students in the Design, Engineering and Construction industries who are capable of developing solutions to today's problems. This course provides you with a solid base from which to develop your design and making skills, using a range of materials and manufacturing methods to become designers and engineers of the future. This course allows students to provide solutions to “real” problems linked to produce design, interior design and architecture. Students will work with a range of clients across different projects. This course combines diverse areas of DT and is suitable for anybody who has studied DT, Product Design or Engineering at GCSE.

What does the course involve?

There will be a series of smaller projects during Year 12 to build skills: technical drawing, processes, machinery and tools, CAD/CAM before a major project for the coursework element. Students focus on understanding the various aspects of the design cycle and the design and make process. Nothing has ‘just been made’. All aspects of the world around us are designed and made considering clients, end users, materials, processes, and the effect this all has on our planet. Students will continually be developing designing and making skills with a focus on drawing, research, design concepts, evaluating, modelling, and making skills in all projects. Projects will also include aspects of theoretical knowledge in preparation for their end of Year 13 exam.

How will I be assessed?

You will be studying AQA Product Design which is 50% coursework (NEA) and 50% Exam. The coursework is a project of your choosing where you will research, design, develop, test, and evaluate your end product. The exam at the end of Year 13 will test the theory learnt over the two years.

Leading to a career in?

Product Design, Robotics, Automotive Industry, Digital Media, Aerospace, Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Interior Design, Armed Forces, Graphic Design, or an Art Foundation course. This course will help you to demonstrate a wide range of skills in your portfolio. It is a subject that links well to other areas of the curriculum such as Maths, Physics, Geography, Art, Photography, and others, even if you do not continue with a design career.