A Level Product Design

At A Level the pupils follow the WJEC Product Design Specification.  A course in Design and Technology offers a very unique opportunity for pupils to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests.  Design and Technology develops pupils' interdisciplinary skills and their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence.

 

Year 13

The components which make up AS level Product Design are:

DT1 Examination Paper – 2hrs (weighting 20%)

This paper will contain two sections which will asses candidates' knowledge and

understanding drawn from the subject content for one focus area listed under:

• Designing and innovation;
• Product analysis;
• Materials and components;
• Industrial and commercial practice.

Section A questions require short answers on the above areas.

Section B questions require open-ended essay type responses.

This component is externally assessed by the WJEC.

 

DT2 Design and Make Task (weighting 30%)

Candidates will submit one design and make task which will satisfy the AS assessment criteria (approximately 60 hours).  This component is marked by the centre and moderated by the WJEC.  Pupils will submit an A3 portfolio and one manufactured piece)

 

Year 14

DT3 Examination Paper - 2½ hours (Weighting 20%)

This paper consists of three sections and will assess candidates' knowledge and understanding drawn from the whole subject content of one focus area. Section A and

B questions require short answers and Section C questions require open-ended essay type responses and will specifically address the subject specification content listed under: 

• Designing and innovation;
• Product analysis;
• Materials and components;
• Industrial and commercial practice.
• Human responsibility;
• Public interaction;
• Processes;
• Production systems and control

This component is externally assessed by the WJEC.

 

DT4 Major Project (weighting 30%)

Candidates will undertake a single substantial project (approximately 60 hours).  Each year the WJEC will set eight themes for the project, though candidates may also submit their own proposals for approval. The project requires candidates to demonstrate the integration of designing and making skills and knowledge and understanding.  Candidates will submit a major project which will satisfy the A level assessment criteria which includes an A3 portfolio and manufactured piece).

This component is marked by the centre and moderated by the WJEC.