Design & Technology:
Product Design
General course information
The WJEC GCE in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. This specification encourages learners 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. The specification enables learners 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. Learners should consider small and large commercial / manufacturing contexts and gain an insight into design and technology activity in the creative industries.
Course Content
Unit
Content
Assessment
AS
Unit 1
Materials technology, Modern designers, Energy sources and environmental impact, Industrial practice.
Written Examination 20% of overall marks.
AS
Unit 2
Design and Make task in a similar style to the GCSE, with an emphasis on the development of an innovative product which must be presented with the use of CAD.
NEA (Non examination assessment) 20% of overall marks
A2 / A Level
Unit 3
Written examination including year 12 content and further content- Problem Solving strategies, Environmental issues in design
Written examination 30% of overall marks
A2 / A Level
Unit 4
Design and Make task again with an emphasis upon creating a creative product.
NEA 30% of overall marks.
Ideal Entry requirements
Although each application will be considered on an individual basis it would be preferable to have a GCSE Technology B grade or above.
Career Prospects
Product Design, Architecture, Manufacturing.
Examinations Body
Subject Leader
Miss F Humphreys