Product Design

C6th 112SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Head of Department: Tom Hordern

Staff Contact Details: Tom Bird

This A Level course provides an opportunity for you to develop your own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills; to apply knowledge and understanding to a wide range of technological activities and to develop your critical thinking and collaborative skills.

You should have a strong interest in designing, modelling, making and evaluating products or systems, and in the processes and products of design and technological activity. The subject leads on from GCSE developing your design and make skills and your theoretical knowledge.

A sign of the modern technological age in which we live is that human actions have had a negative impact on our environment. New products should provide solutions rather than add to the existing problems of extractions and use of natural resources, pollution from manufacturing and disposal of large amounts of waste products. It is important therefore, that candidates, as future designers, develop a passion for designing for the future.

Our classroom offers a well equipped workshop and an adjoining specialist cutting workshop and student project space. Specialist equipment such as a vacuum former and a laser cutter regularly allow students access to machinery that realises ambitious project goals. The Technology department teaching rooms are supported by the Faculty Technician.

The Curriculum

In year 1 students will learn about materials and processes, completing small projects to develop making skills which will lead on to a large design and make project, spanning across the end of year 1 and all of year 2 containing 50% of the overall A-level marks. This project will test students’ skills in designing, making and evaluating their prototype. Students can choose from a wide range of project ideas. At the end of the second year there will be an exam comprising of 50% of the marks.

Assessment

This subject uses the AQA Examination Board. Assessment involves regular coursework and theoretical assessment and formal examinations.

Students must complete all assessment components:

Component 1: 2½-hour written exam. A Level weighting: 50%

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project. A Level weighting: 50%

ENRICHMENT & EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Links to businesses and manufactures will be developed and allow students to explore the future in this industry.

CAREERS 

This course leads to a wide range of careers including Architecture, Product Design, Media or Engineering. Many students go on to further education in areas including Industrial Design, Engineering and Furniture Design. There are also courses in various motorsport design degrees.

TEXTBOOK AND REVISION RESOURCES

Useful subject related websites:

  • 12:03 PM - 15th March, 2024 Well done to the Y7 & Y8 netball teams who are still undefeated in the borough league both beating Turing House School last night. pic.twitter.com/rhhazG9pmk
  • 11:55 AM - 15th March, 2024 We're recruiting 2x part time, term time only admin postsAdmissions OfficerMarketing OfficerJobs could be combined for the right candidateSee the website for more info & application form which should be submitted to hr.school by 9am 25.03.24 Read more pic.twitter.com/g66TOSrtWj
  • 10:07 AM - 13th March, 2024 Top work from our Sports Leaders on Friday who ran an excellent KS1 Sports Festival pic.twitter.com/Dujmgj3Kst
  • 10:07 AM - 13th March, 2024 Excited for this. Our Year 7 Book club discussion about the last book by took two weeks! Read more
  • 01:49 PM - 11th March, 2024 Reminder: Year 9 Options Evening, 6-8pm Tuesday 12th March. All Year 9 students and parents should attend. pic.twitter.com/RNbQDZpdt3
  • 09:59 AM - 11th March, 2024 Last chance to get tickets for the quiz. Read more you have booked, please email which team you are on with your team name/who your team members are/ if you would like to join others, tell us what yr group(s) your children are in. christsschoolpta.com pic.twitter.com/tWRFZouciy
  • 09:49 AM - 11th March, 2024 Year 7 Shield Winners at the Middlesex Rugby 7s tournament at Grasshoppers RFC on FridayWell done everyone! pic.twitter.com/BJpttS8wOT
  • 07:09 AM - 8th March, 2024 Student Parliament in action - debating the length of break and lunch, led by our new Head of Student Parliament, Alex. pic.twitter.com/vJ4ODfixWt
  • 07:12 AM - 6th March, 2024 Yr8&9 Boys Basketball Borough Champions!Christ’s School beat Turing House 33-29 in the borough final to win the Borough Championship!MVP Arthur P#juniornba pic.twitter.com/cMf4j6cRM1
  • 07:12 AM - 6th March, 2024 Y7 & Y8 netball A team did extremely well against tough opposition but managing to still get a few wins at the Middlesex tournament at Highgate School pic.twitter.com/rf1YrE0wLy
  • 09:18 AM - 28th February, 2024 Yr7 boys football team beat RPA 3-2 with a last minute winner from Max pic.twitter.com/ji8jicIpAU
  • 08:08 AM - 27th February, 2024 Have a look at our colourful selection of World Book Day books! These are £1 each, or free if you swap one for a World Book Day voucher.Scroll for a surprise from - we even have a few signed copies of Loki... pic.twitter.com/HZ6bUtYuDZ