Product Design (3D) A/S - A Level
A Level Product Design offers a wide range of project choice, design
individuality and material focus, with an opportunity to design and make
individual products throughout both years of the course.
The course also develops the skills of further creativity and provides inspiration,
challenge and insight into related manufacturing/ engineering sectors. The
course develops independent learning skills, decision making, creativity and
critical analysis through individual and collaborative working.
Minimum entry requirements:
A ‘B’ grade in Engineering/Product Design or demonstration of excellence.
What will I learn?
You will develop understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of
materials and components and their specific applications; their manufactured
life-cycle use and disposal. You will develop knowledge of design Influences
including aesthetic, technical and economic considerations. Marketing, design
function and the use of appropriate 2D/3D techniques will be developed. You will
learn how to use 3D modelling prototypes and scale models. The work of past
and present designers/design movements and their influences on socioeconomic changes will be studied.
How will I be assessed?
In the first year you will have two assessments:
• A two hour written paper accounts for 25% of your total marks.
The coursework and your design portfolio account for another
25% of your marks.
Year two is the same:
• A two hour written paper accounts for 25% of your marks and the
coursework and your design portfolio account for the final 25% of your A Level
marks.
Where will it take me?
3D Design could take you into a number of exciting career paths. Of course
there is product or automotive design. But what about computer generated
cartoons? Or maybe CAD for industry appeals to you more? This course could
also take you into architecture, teaching, manufacturing, advertising or
engineering. If you want a career in design or engineering you might also
consider Art & Design, Business Studies, Mathematics, Science or Computing as
companion A Levels.
Enrichment
If you are interested in working in manufacturing and engineering we have
established links with the Cadbury Taste of Work programme, BMW and
Roaming Robots.