Product Design
A level
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
Specification: 9080
Course Leader: Mr C Ellis
Contact Email: cellis@tgschool.net
What Will I Study?
Product Design is intended to be of interest to a wide range of candidates, including those intending to directly follow a higher education course or career in Design and Technology or an associated area.
The course builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills established by the National Curriculum and GCSE, whilst at the same time accommodating the needs of candidates who have not studied Design and Technology at GCSE.
It promotes progression and provides a suitable foundation for the study of Design and Technology, or a related area of study at higher education and/or preparation for future employment and the world of work.
There are opportunities for candidates to gain a broad understanding of the skills and knowledge inherent in Design and Technology and to specialise in one focus area.
Product Design encourages candidates to develop their critical thinking, to see the relationships between designer, manufacturer and user and to perceive Design and Technology within the world in which
we live.
Entry Requirements
Suggested you have taken GCSE Design & Technology, Engineering or Art (graphics/3D design etc) or a keen interest in the subject.
Assessment
EXAM - Component 1 : Principles of Design and Technology
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
50% of the qualification - 120 marks
Content overview
Topic 1: Materials
Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials
Topic 3: Processes and techniques
Topic 4: Digital technologies
Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products
Topic 6: Effects of technological developments
Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment
Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries
Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment
Topic 10: Current legislation
Topic 11: Information handling, Modelling and forward planning
Topic 12: Further processes and techniques.
Assessment overview
● The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as
extended-writing questions focused on:
- analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, against a technical principle, for prototypes made by others
- analysis and evaluation of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.
● Students must answer all questions.
● Students must have calculators and rulers in the examination.
COURSEWORK - Component 2 : Independent Design and Make Project
Non-examined assessment - 50% of the qualification - 120 marks
Content overview
● Students individually and/or in consultation with a client/end user identify a problem
and design context.
● Students will develop a range of potential solutions which include the use of computer
aided design and evidence of modelling.
● Students will be expected to make decisions about the designing and development of
the prototype in conjunction with the opinions of the client/end user.
● Students will realise one potential solution through practical making activities with
evidence of project management and plan for production.
● Students will incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype
may have on the environment
● Students are expected to analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes for
prototypes/products made by themselves and others
● Students are expected to analyse and evaluate of wider issues in design technology,
including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.
Assessment overview
● The investigation report is internally assessed and externally moderated.
● Students will produce a substantial design, make and evaluate project which consists of
a portfolio and a prototype
● The portfolio will contain approximately 40 sides of A3 paper (or electronic equivalent)
● There are four parts to the assessment:
-
Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design Identification and investigation of a design possibility, investigation of client/end user needs, wants and values, research and production of a specification
- Part 2: Designing a prototype Design idea, development of design idea, final design solution, review of development and final design and communication of design ideas
- Part 3: Making a final prototype Design, manufacture and realisation of a final prototype, including tools and equipment and quality and accuracy
- Part 4: Evaluating own design and prototype Testing and evaluation