Course Content

A course in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity for students to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests. Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It encourages students 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 their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values. Students will be required to identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes.

Learners should acquire subject knowledge in design and technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.

This A Level course consists of 2 components:

Component One – Written Examination (50% of qualification, 3 hours). This paper will contain three sections which will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of:

• technical principles
• designing and making principles
along with their ability to:
• analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.

Section A questions require short answers and should demonstrate breadth of knowledge
Section B questions require more detailed responses, demonstrating breadth and depth of knowledge
Section C questions require extended, essay style responses, demonstrating depth of knowledge. The quality of written communication in answers will also be considered in Section C.

Component 2 – Non-exam Assessment (50% of qualification, maximum 80 Hours).  A sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by the student, assessing the candidate’s ability to:

• identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
• design and make prototypes
• analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.

Assessment

Assessment for this A Level consists of 1 examination paper and 1 non-exam assessment component. The examinations are externally assessed by WJEC and the non-exam assessment is marked by the centre and moderated by the WJEC.

Expectations

To be accepted onto the course you will need at least a Grade 6 or B grade at GCSE in Design & Technology. Design and Technology requires a genuine interest in solving problems through innovative and creative solutions. You need to be able to work independently and sustain an investigation. Independent attendance at museums and exhibitions is essential to inspire ideas and keep up to date with current materials and technologies.

Examination Board: Eduqas.    Course Number: A602QS