Design (Product Design) (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in GCSE English language and a GCSE in a design related subject, if taken, or a suitable portfolio of work (see a member of staff for details).

About the Subject

Product Design is a popular subject aimed at students who enjoy creative problem solving. The emphasis, particularly in the project element, is placed on the practical realisation and testing of ideas. This involves both designing and making a product. Students are encouraged to explore their own interests whilst taking into account the needs of the consumer society. Recently students have been given the opportunity to take part in the Sustainable Design Award, alongside their AS and A levels. The course provides a natural progression for those who have studied Product Design at GCSE level, though students also embark on this course with qualifications in Graphic Products, Engineering or Systems and Control. The course provides those who wish to pursue a career in design with the opportunity to progress into industrial design, furniture design, construction, design management, teaching and engineering

Course Content

Year 1

During the first year students will compile a portfolio of creative design based skills which will be divided into three distinctive areas; product investigation & analysis, conceptual design & communication of ideas and the practical realisation of given designs. In the compilation of their portfolio students will make use of wide ranging graphical and CAD based processes, interactive use of on-line and library based research media as well as have access to well equipped design rooms and workshop facilities in the development and realisation of ideas. The portfolio of work is then presented for assessment.

During the first year knowledge and understanding of the subject is tested through an external examination which is built up over the year. The work will be based on design topics such as material properties, manufacturing processes, quality standards and health and safety at work.

Year 2

During the second year students will have the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest through the identification of focused briefs based around the needs of a real client. The students, building on the work covered in the first year, will be expected to generate and develop ideas whilst working closely with the client and consulting at key stages in the design process with professional practitioners within their chosen field of interest. In addition they will also participate in a valuable Study Day that introduces them to new design tools and working as part of a design team within the context of sustainable design.

The second year design theory examination again builds on first year knowledge but with greater application and introduces students to new topics such as new technologies and materials, design history, advertising and marketing, conservation and resources, and economics and production.

Assessment

Both the portfolio of skills and major project, which constitute 60% of the course marks for the AS and A2 coursework units respectively, are submitted for assessment at the end of April during the year of examination.

All external exams take place during the summer term.