Design & Technology

  • Board: Edexcel
  • Syllabus: AS – 8RM01; A2 – 9RM01
Modules

  1. AS Material, Components and Application. The following topics will be covered: the physical and mechanical properties in a broad range of materials and components; the broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture; methods in which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products; Health and Safety issues relevant to working with materials; computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM); ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design, and consumer safety, and the life cycle of products including manufacture, use and functional aspects and final disposal.

  2. Learning Through Designing and Making. Coursework.

  3. A2 Design and Manufacture. The following topics will be covered: classifying materials and identifying, testing and comparing their application to product manufacture; the implications of Health and Safety as an element of design activity; examination of alternative designs and redesigning existing products; use of natural resources, materials utilisation, conservation, waste disposal/management, pollution, recycling; the use of CAM for industrial production; moral, economic, social and environmental responsibilities of the designer and planning production procedures and methods.

  4. Design and Making Practice. Coursework.

Method of Assessment

AS

Unit 1 (25%). 2 hour written exam based on materials, processes and industrial application. Unit 2 (25%). Coursework – a series of mini projects will be undertaken plus one major design and make activity.

A2

Unit 3 (25%). 2 hour written exam based on design and manufacturing together with industrial application. Unit 4 (25%). A detailed coursework portfolio to accompany the creation of a substantial, innovative project.

Further information

Product Design offers you the opportunity to study, propose and realise prototype solutions closely linked to the real world of product manufacture in a range of material areas. Creative innovation in design is rewarded highly in this course.

It is usually a requirement to have a GCSE in the field of Design and Technology in order to take A Level in this subject. However, where a pupil can prove good practical and graphical skills have been acquired elsewhere, and that they are very well motivated, there is no reason why they shouldn’t do well. Design and Technology at A Level will develop skills which are of use to you in many careers. Your technical knowledge of commercial practices, materials, processes, computer aided design, graphical communication and creative problem solving will be relevant to careers in media, advertising, product design, manufacturing, business, theatre, jewellery, automotive and maritime design. Many Architecture and Engineering courses regard an A level in Design and Technology as a good subject to have studied at school.