Pauline Courtois : Head of Design Technology
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design
OCR - H406
6 in DT (if taken at GCSE)
A GCSE grade 5 in Maths is desirable.
Note a GCSE in DT is not mandatory however we require the below :
Students will need a genuine interest and excitement for the subject and a willingness to commit to significant independent time and effort into developing their skills and completing their iterative design project.
Design and Technology is a captivating discipline that offers both inspiration and practicality, fostering growth beyond the A level stage. By engaging in this subject, students will acquire a diverse set of skills applicable to a wide array of careers, further studies in design or engineering, and even personal development, as it enhances decision-making abilities such as time and resource management when undertaking projects.
Over the span of two years, this course explores the broader principles of design and its impact on users and the world around us. Through comprehensive study, students will familiarise themselves with various materials, cultivating a technical understanding of product functionality and the manufacturing processes necessary to support the creation of their own design solutions.
Furthermore, they will learn to identify market demands and potential opportunities for innovative products. They will take the initiative to develop design solutions, making and testing prototypes/products. Throughout this journey, their knowledge base will expand, encompassing the progressive stages of prototyping, realisation, and commercial production.
Encouraging a critical mindset, this course promotes inquiry, problem-solving, exploration, and evaluation of iterative designs. The OCR exam board emphasises freedom in approaches to designing and making, ensuring that project work is not hindered and that materials and processes remain open to diverse possibilities.
Note that an essential aspect of this subject involves the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge, showcasing the integral role of Design and Technology as a pivotal STEM discipline.
This course provides an excellent foundation for students aspiring to study the world of design and its interconnected subjects, including engineering, architecture, fashion, and many more. Opting for this course not only opens doors to further study in these domains but also presents an invaluable chance to nurture creativity, foster critical thinking, and cultivate problem-solving skills. These qualities hold tremendous significance in our modern society, being essential attributes for success in any chosen career path.
The Product Design course places its emphasis on consumer products and their practical applications. It challenges students to harness their creativity and employ an iterative design process to tackle problems and conceive everyday marketable products.
Throughout the course, students will explore materials, components, processes, usability, and function, all of which are integral aspects of the design process. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of commercial design practices, enabling them to navigate the world of practical design with confidence.
12 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Autumn Term :
Skill based projects – short design tasks allowing students to build on their understanding of CAD, machinery, tools and processed. Creating a foundation to promote confidence and independent research for their NEA coursework. Students to start considering a context for their NEA.
Theory :
| Short skill based projects will allow students to improve relevant skills in line with what is needed to complete their coursework. It will also build their confidence, revisit previous knowledge and help support students who might come from a different pathway.
The theory is focused on topics which are heavily linked to their coursework and are a true representation of the real design world. It will allow them to build on previous knowledge earned during their GCSE DT and add depth to their understanding. |
Spring term :
NEA : Personal NEA coursework project with a focus on exploring the chosen context, market and consumer research, setting of design brief, initial ideas and Iteration 1. Theory:
|
Students will keep further developing their design skills as they start thinking about their chosen idea. They will now be more comfortable in demonstrating critical thinking to solve problem and creativity in coming up with a solution. Independent work, initiative, decision-making and time management are skills they will continue to practice.
The theory is focused on topics which are heavily linked to their coursework and are a true representation of the real design world. It will allow them to build on previous knowledge earned during their GCSE DT and add depth to their understanding. Exam practice exercises enables them to use the knowledge learnt and apply it when answering questions and solving problems.
| |
Summer term :
NEA : Personal NEA coursework project with a focus on Iterations 1 to 10. Big emphasis on prototyping testing, getting feedback and evaluating to refine final design. Theory:
| Students will keep further developing their understanding of the design process as they focus on prototyping. They will now be more comfortable in demonstrating critical thinking to solve problem and creativity in coming up with a solution. Independent work, initiative, decision-making and time management are skills they will continue to practice.
The theory is focused on topics which are heavily linked to their coursework and are a true representation of the real design world. It will allow them to build on previous knowledge earned during their GCSE DT and add depth to their understanding. Exam practice exercises enables them to use the knowledge learnt and apply it when answering questions and solving problems.
| |
13 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Autumn Term :
NEA : Personal NEA coursework project with a focus on completing iterations, final selection (CAD, technical spec and manufacture plan), making of the final prototype, testing process and evaluation. Theory:
|
Students will keep further developing their design skills as they come towards the final parts of their design process. They will now be confident in demonstrating critical thinking to solve problem and creativity in coming up with a solution. Independent work, initiative, decision-making and time management are skills they will be fully familiar with.
The theory recap will allow students to review what was learnt, identify weaker areas and further practice each topics which are heavily linked to their coursework and are a true representation of the real design world. Exam practice exercises enables them to use the knowledge learnt and apply it when answering questions and solving problems.
|
Spring Term :
NEA : Review and last finishing touches for NEA coursework. Final hand-in for marking. Theory:
| Students will come to the end of their design process, giving them the opportunity to evaluate, review and identify improvements needed for their products. Evaluation being a key part of the design process, they will now be fully confident with this skill set.
Exam practice exercises enables them to use the knowledge learnt and apply it when answering questions and solving problems.
| |
Summer Term :
Focus on Exam preparation :
| Students will now be able to fully focus on their exam preparation. They will review what was learnt, identify weaker areas and further practice topics as needed. They will further build their understanding of the design world through their independent study, giving them the opportunity to discuss examples during their exams. Exam practice exercises enables them to use the knowledge learnt and apply it when answering questions and solving problems.
|
Components of the course:
26.7% EXAM : Principles of Product Design (1h30min)
23.3% EXAM : Problem solving in Product Design (1h45min)
50% Non-exam Assessment : Iterative design project (Approx. 65 hours)
This significant design project focuses on the iterative processes of exploration, creation, and evaluation. Students are expected to understand and apply these iterative design processes in their design and technology practice : exploring needs, creating solutions, and evaluating how well the needs have been met.
Students are required to identify a design opportunity or problem within a context of their choice. They will then create a portfolio supported by real-time evidence, showcasing the development of their projects. The successful completion of this calls for innovative approaches that result in a final prototype, subject to testing against user feedback and market demands.
This segment of the course heavily relies on independent work, a genuine interest in developing personal skills, and immersive research and investigations to ensure a comprehensive iterative design process is achieved.
Encourage them to further develop their understanding of the design world through watching documentaries, podcasts, books, articles … Help discuss their projects at home regularly, asking when their deadline is, giving them ideas/feedback on their work and potentially becoming one of their primary users. Encourage them to practice past exam papers which can be found online on the exam board website.
OCR Textbook (physical or digital)
Coursework skills:
Theory:
Feedback:
Students will have further opportunities to enter external competition, apply for the Arkwright scholarship, attend talks from universities and professionals as well as build contacts with local companies and designers.
Each subject is also part of our ‘Super-curricular’ initiative, which aims to develop your wider understanding of academic subjects and support your learning – more information can be found here.
Students at all stages of their education are encouraged to utilise the department's computer and workshop facilities outside of school hours. This opportunity allows them to pursue personal projects, enhance specific skills or areas of interest, as well as improve, develop, and refine class assignments or coursework tasks. We will also offer trips to places of interest such as museums, local companies, and manufacture businesses.
Cambourne Sixth Form
Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne
Cambridge CB23 6FR
Tel: 01954 284000
Email: info@cambournesixthform.org
.jpg)
