A Level Design Technology at Ousedale School
| Qualification | AS and A2 |
| Examining Board | Edexcel |
| Head Of Department | Mrs D McLean |
Why Design and Technology?
All of us come across situations where there is a problem to which we would like a solution. Often the answer is to go out and buy something. Sometimes lack of money or the wish to have a try, leads us to think of ways of overcoming the problem by putting something together ourselves as a solution. If you have enjoyed creating things at GCSE level in Food, Textiles, Art or Resistant Materials; if developments in technology have interested you....this may be the course for you.
Content/Structure
The main focus of the course will be around wood, metal and plastics. However, other materials may also be used in practical making situations.
Year 1/AS Level
Unit 1 - Industrial and Commercial Products and Practices (30%)
This is an externally set examination (one and a half hours) where students are expected to have knowledge about everyday products, the constraints and considerations designers give to them and from what materials, and how, they are manufactured industrially. The knowledge requirement for this paper will be taught through a number of mini designed-based tasks, and will include product analysis and modelling. A major piece of work will be set in a similar format to the exam, to be completed over the Spring Term as an internally assessed element.
Unit 2 - Product Development (40%)
Essentially this is the coursework element of the examination. This work will be undertaken throughout the year with the setting of a problem, analysis and development of a range of ideas, prior to choosing a final solution. These elements are to be completed in the Autumn Term.
Unit 3 - Materials, Components and Systems with Option (30%)
An examination with a compulsory element for all students, testing their knowledge of materials and manufacturing. We have then chosen the Design and Technology in Society module as our supporting option. Knowledge for this paper will be gained through product analysis, product disassembly and may be supported by industrial visits where possible and appropriate. The planning and manufacture of the final product for coursework will also contribute considerably to this Unit.
Year Two
Unit 4 - Further Study of Materials, Components and Systems with Option (15%)
A second one and a half hour written paper looking at areas covered in Unit 3, but in greater depth.
Unit 5 - Product Development II (20%)
This is the second piece of coursework that is intended to further the idea of designers working for a client. The project should be for a third party and will of necessity be more challenging than that undertaken at AS.
Unit 6 - Design and Technology Capability (15%)
This three hour paper is in essence a mini design folder produced under exam conditions, in that it requires the analysis of a chosen question (design problem), the drawing of a specification, followed by a range of potential solutions. One of these is then chosen and developed to a production solution. This represents the drawing together of all the elements of the two year course where knowledge of materials and manufacturing are combined with design capability, flair and clarity of communication.
Students will be taught through structured projects in year 1, to allow for the teaching of related theory. The use of video and analysis of everyday items will support study. Students will be expected to undertake personal research in groups and present findings to their peers. There will be practical inputs on extending the range of graphic techniques, testing materials and equipment usage. Students will be required to support the above with their own background reading. Homework will be set on a regular basis, but will cover a range of researching, reading, design folder work and writing. Students will also be expected to use the workshops in private study time to further coursework.
Progression
Design and Technology is a suitable subject for combination with other A Levels for 18+ Art Foundation courses and their subsequent degrees in:
- Architecture
- Town Planning
- Product Design
- a wide range of Engineering courses
- Teaching (Technology is a shortage subject)
- Trainee Management courses
- Technician level employment.