Page 20 - Kingham Hill School Sixth Form Prospectus

Course Catalogue A-Z

Design & Technology: Product Design - 3-D Design
(AQA)

Studying Design and Technology at A level encourages creativity and innovation when
responding to the needs of others. It nurtures problem-solving skills and design thinking, both
of which can be applied to a range of careers.
Design and Technology is a comparatively new subject, initially established to meet both
the demands of newly established consumerism in society and engineering. Today, Design
and Technology prepares pupils for lifelong learning, mastering the skills associated with
continual improvement.
The A level is assessed in two ways:
• Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology exam paper
• Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project (a design portfolio and prototype).
There is an equal weighting of marks for the two components. In Year 12 pupils study
theory topics in preparation for the exam paper and in support of their design portfolio, and
undertake a practice design and make project. This focus provides time to master a wealth
of disciplines, including designing and manufacturing skills, needed for success in Year
13. The second year of study continues to broaden understanding of theory alongside the
formally assessed portfolio and prototype. The examination takes place in the final term of
the Sixth Form.
“Design and technology is a phenomenally important subject. Logical, creative and practical,
it’s the only opportunity students have to apply what they learn in maths and science -
directly preparing them for a career in engineering.” James Dyson, patron of the Design
and Technology Association
Entry requirements:
A minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE Design and Technology. It will be advantageous to
have passed Mathematics with at least grade 5 as there is a demand for application of
mathematical skills, both practically and in the exam.

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Kingham Hill 2018 Sixth Form Prospectus A5 40pp.indd 20 10/11/2017 12:04