Product Design 3D

This creative & thought provoking course allows students to use practical exploration & experimentation to develop and produce innovative, sophisticated design solutions to given briefs. Students will learn how to develop a broad range of skills and apply their expanding knowledge to problems which may be focussed on design, technical development or manufacturing of products. This will be demonstrated through practical and written application of knowledge. 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.

During the first year of the course, students will complete a range of design & make projects, allowing them to build their skills and confidence through working with a range of materials. This work will culminate in a portfolio of research & design work and a number of prototype products. Alongside this, they will build their theoretical knowledge in Technical Principles, and Designing & Making Principles covering topics which include Materials, Finishes, Digital design & manufacture, Enterprise & marketing, Modern manufacturing systems and Responsible design. In Year 13, each will complete their individual NEA portfolio and product based on a design brief developed by the student. Alongside this, they will further refine their knowledge of Technical and Designing and making principles in preparation for their written exams.

The Non Examined Assessment is completed in Year 13 and focuses on one substantial piece of coursework; an individual design & make task. Students will demonstrate and be assessed on practical application of technical principles and specialist knowledge. They will be encouraged to develop creative thought and to work outside their comfort zone. Each will submit a design portfolio and final prototype. This will account for 50% of the A Level mark. There will be 2 written exams in Year 13: Paper 1 – (30%) Assesses knowledge of Core Technical Principles and Core Designing and Making principles. Paper 2 – (20%) Assesses specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles.