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Product Design

Studying Design and Technology at South Craven offers an exciting challenge in which you will develop the complex knowledge and practical skill to pursue further education or enter a career within the industry.

Our highly successful department will be delivering the new AQA Design and Technology: Product Design specification. To be delivered over two years, this exciting qualification will continually push and challenge you to consider and respond to current observations of the world we live in.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE Design Technology OR Merit in WJEC Level 2 Engineering
Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics
2 x Grade 4 in GCSE Science OR 4-4 in GCSE Combined Science

What will I study?

Following a period of investigation, you will develop your own brief and produce a final prototype demonstrating your ability to respond to a problem. A keen interest in all things design is a must as is a genuine ability to problem-solve.

You will be assessed on your ability to explore, design, make, analyse and evaluate.

How will I be assessed?

Paper One

You will be assessed through a 2-hour-long examination. 

There is a mixture of short answers, multiple choice and extended response.

Paper Two

You will be assessed on your knowledge of product analysis (short answer) and commercial manufacture (extended response).

There is a mixture of up to six short answer questions and two extended response questions.

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

You will be assessed through a controlled assignment.

The brief will be written by students.

Further Education and Careers in Product Design

Courses you could study at university include:

  • Architecture
  • Building and Surveying
  • Design
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Textiles

Careers which require a Product Design qualification include:

  • CAD Technician
  • Clothing/Textile Technologist
  • Colour Technologist
  • Exhibition Designer
  • Furniture Designer
  • Interior and Spatial Designer
  • Product Designer

Preparation Work

You need to complete these tasks over Summer to prepare you for your studies.

  • You need to explore the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies Van der Rhoe (architects).
  • Produce a detailed case study on each architect, identifying and explaining what they drew influence from and how they have influenced modern design.
  • Examples of their work should be studied with detailed analysis of the materials, features and appearance of the work.
  • Work should be done electronically, either on a new Google Slides document and shared with Mr Joughin (c.joughin@southcraven.org) or emailed directly.