Design & Technology: Product Design

This creative and thought provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

GCSE Entrance Requirements:

  • Mathematics - Grade 5

  • English Language - Grade 4

  • Design & Technology - Grade 5

More info:

Combines well with

Head of Department:

Mr D Brittle - dbrittle@hswv.co.uk

WHAT YOU STUDY

Over the course, you will study three different units. Two of which are externally assessed exams and one that is internally assessed non-examined assessment. Paper 1 involves the study of technical principles in Design & Technology. Paper 2 is designing and making principles and the non-examined assessment sees the practical application of the two examined elements. This is worth 50% of your overall mark.

HOW YOU STUDY

Throughout Year 12 you will follow an intensive programme to bridge the gap from GCSE to A-Level, developing theory knowledge for both examined elements and developing practical skills for the non- examined assessment. At the end of the year a single exam will be sat covering the 2 examined elements and a mock non-examined assessment will be submitted. Year 13 introduces the substantial design and make project, whereby students complete an extremely self-directed project based around a design problem or opportunity that they themselves have identified and investigated. This is taken through the entire iterative design process and culminated in the production of a high quality final product. Throughout the year students are also intensively prepared for the two examined papers, studying both technical, and design and making principles. The course   also   places   a   large   emphasis on the application  of  mathematics  knowledge  to   design and technology scenarios which is addressed across the two-year course.

PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY/CAREERS

The breadth and depth of understanding that you will acquire across the course, opens up a wide array of future career opportunities including those in engineering, design or even project management. In addition to this the skills required to be successful in D&T are increasingly important to the ever changing world of work, employers are craving creative problem solvers and those with the flexibility to maintain pace with the technological advancements within society.

OUR SUCCESSES

The Design and Technology department has a track record of fantastic results, reflected further in the new staff that have joined the department. 

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

The staff in the department are vastly experienced and have a range of backgrounds and specialisms within D&T to support student with their specific interests, being able to tailor learning to the outcomes desired by individual pupils. In addition to this the department is extremely well equipped with a wide range of opportunities for students to experience throughout the duration of the course.