Page 30 - Year 10 Course Brochure 2023-2025

PRODUCT DESIGN

OPTION OPTION

COURSE CONTENT The Product Design course encompasses a wide range of creative presentation and
manufacturing skills as well as in-depth technical knowledge and understanding of
several material disciplines. Students discover a broad application of ICT in design
and gain a deeper understanding of its application in industry such as CAD/CAM
prototyping and testing. The new GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding
and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and
imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems,
considering the needs of clients, while responding to material development and
having positive impact on society and the environment.
APPROACH TO TEACHING Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and manufacturing
AND LEARNING techniques in the design, development and production of a marketable product
prototype. Using research and development skills, students select and interpret a
design brief set by the Exam Board. Students set about solving problems, making
models, planning production and seeing the design through to final stages of
manufacture and assembly.

ASSESSMENT The non-exam assessment section accounts for 50% of the available marks, which
includes a design portfolio and final manufactured product prototype. The
supporting folio will include all evidence of development, planning, testing and
decision making throughout the project. The folio is comprised of a variety of
sketches, models and photographs, as well as design drawings and plans. An exam
paper makes up the other 50% of the GCSE marks. Students are tested on their
application of knowledge, technical understanding of material properties, processes
and design skills. There is an element of the application science and maths within
the subject area.

Throughout the non-exam assessment project, students will be asked to consider
the environmental, ethical, social, industrial and economic impact their designs
have on the world. The Design & Technology course encourages young designers to
problem solve and helps prepare them for living in a technological world, providing
many practical skills and critical thinking for life. Students are given the opportunity
to work with resistant and compliant materials and are encouraged to employ a
combination of these material groups in the manufacture of their product
prototype.

FURTHER INFORMATION If students wish to pursue A level Product Design, we suggest they achieve at least a
grade 4 (C) at GCSE or be able to present a suitably comprehensive design folio and
evidence of making skills. Further study of Product Design could lead to a career in
engineering, industrial design, architecture and product design as well as many
other opportunities in design consultancy and industry.

EXAM BOARD AND 8552
SPECIFICATION AQA | Design and Technology | GCSE | Design and Technology

CONTACT Mr R Bonney
Head of Product Design
bonney.r@millfieldschool.com

28 YEAR 10/11 COURSE GUIDE