Departmental contact
Mr Whiting – [email protected]
Examining board & Qualification
AQA – A LEVEL
Entry requirements
Please see current prospectus for further information
WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?
This creative and thought-provoking qualification will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.
You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing products of your choice.
You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
Core technical principles of designing, developing and making innovative products.
Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will use your creativity and imagination to design, develop and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.
The course is made up of a design and make project (Non-examined Element) and 2 written exams.
The main areas of learning are:
- Technical Principles
- Designing and Making Principles
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Paper 1 – Technical Principles – 2.5 hours (120 marks – 30%)
Paper 2 – Designing and Making Principles – 1.5 hours (80 marks – 20%)
45-hour non-examined design and make project (50%)
WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?
A college or university course leading to a career in a creative industry; design/engineering.
WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
The DT Department is open every afternoon after school to enable the students to work independently on their design projects.
In previous years we have run trips to conferences and workshops at universities and the Design Centre in London.
