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Product Design offers students the opportunity to develop both academic and practical skills in well-equipped design studios and manufacturing workshops.

During the Product Design course students are given topics or areas to investigate which will develop their design and practical skills. Current Year 12 project themes include topics such as:  ‘Pewter Cast Jewellery’, ‘3D Printed Design’, ‘Cast Concrete in Interior Design’ and ‘Contemporary Lighting’. As they progress to the second year, students will choose a project theme that interests them. Previous projects have included furniture such as tables and chairs, musical instruments, architectural models, sports equipment, children’s play furniture and objects involving mechanical engineering. There will also be theory lessons on topics such as materials and manufacturing, use of computer system in industry, famous designers and their products, and environmental design.

Courses Offered

AQA A level D&T Product Design 7552

Syllabus Breakdown

Paper 1 Exam: 2.5 hours                               30%

Core technical principles. Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

Paper 2 Exam: 1.5 hours                              20%

Designing and making principles. Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

​NEA (coursework project)                            50%

A substantial design and make task. Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

Minimum Entry Requirements

In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students are required to attain a minimum of a grade 5 in Design and Technology at GCSE in order to take the Design and Technology: Product Design course.

Why Study This Subject?

Key areas developed include research and analytical skills, creativity, time management, graphic design skills, technical knowledge - including CAD/CAM, practical skills and problem solving. It also teaches students the benefits of working both independently and as part of a team.

Wider Opportunities

What Our Students Say:

‘I enjoy making things and solving problems.  I like to see my designs develop and I enjoy seeing the outcomes when they are successful.  I also enjoy a challenge.’

‘I like the fact that it builds practical skills and logical thinking, which are useful in later life.’

’I enjoy hands-on independent work.  You can us your creativity and have freedom to make interesting things.’

’I enjoy building on my knowledge of Design and Technology from GCSE and also like the fact that you get hands-on, and it is always satisfying to make amazing products.’

‘I chose Product Design because I am considering a career in engineering, and the skills I am developing will be useful to me.’

What Can I Do Next?

Product Design is an excellent stepping stone into a wide range of careers and further study including Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Product Design, Material Science, Robotics and Computer Aided Design.