Design technology

Course Outline
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. This course encourages you to use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.

Qualification Information:

Level: AS/A2
Syllabus: WJEC
Duration: 1 Year for AS. 2 Years for A2

‘A’ Level Design Technology is taught across two areas: Fashion & Textiles and Product Design. For both the AS and ‘A’ Level parts you are required to develop a product that solves a problem chosen by you. You will complete a written exam at the end of each year to test your knowledge of understanding.

Entry Requirements

Essential
GCSE Product Design or Fashion Textiles - Grade C or higher.

Desirable
Have a good level of drawing ability and a knowledge of CAD programs.

What Will I Study?

Year 12:

Unit 1: Written paper 1 - Written examination: 2 hours. Worth 20% of qualification.
Unit 2: Design and make task - Non-exam assessment: approximately 40 hours. Worth 20% of qualification

Year 13:
Unit 3: Written paper 2 - Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes. Worth 30% of qualification
Unit 4: Design and make project - Non-exam assessment: approximately 60 hours. Worth 30% of qualification

How Will I Be Assessed?

An AS consists of 2 units:

Learners take an examination in one of the following endorsed areas:

  • Fashion and Textiles

  • Product Design

And a design and make task, based on a brief developed by you.

A full ‘A’ Level consists of 4 units:

Learners take a single examination in one of the following endorsed areas:

  • Fashion and Textiles

  • Product Design

And a sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by you.

Career Opportunities & Progression

Further studies and jobs in areas of design including: Architecture, Product Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Engineering and Teaching.