Design and Technology AS and A Level *Fees Payable* at St Christopher School
Course description
Because it is fun! It offers a satisfying academic – yes, academic - pursuit that involves far less sitting down than most other subjects!
Because it involves a wide range of enjoyable activities that develop your creative, intellectual and making abilities. You will produce high quality folio work and well engineered/crafted practical projects and demonstrate your increased understanding of design theory. You will experience and become more expert in the use of a wide range of skills, tools, machines and processes.
You will share in discussions and learning based around the wider world of technology and products – their impact on people, their design and manufacture, what has influenced the development of various strands of technology in modern life.
Course content
AS Course (AQA specification 1551)
Unit 1 (Theory exam)
Materials, Components and Applications
Definitions, Examples, Properties. Sketching, Product Analysis + some designing.
Unit 2 (Coursework Project)
1. Investigation and Clarification of Problems 8 marks
2. Development of Design Proposal 24 marks
3. Making / Modelling 24 marks
4. Evaluation + Testing 12 marks
5. Communication + Presentation 12 marks
A2 Course (AQA specification 2551)
Unit 3 (Theory Exam)
Design + Manufacture.
Design + Market influences.
Processes + Manufacture.
Materials + Components.
Unit 2 (Coursework Project)
1. Investigation and Clarification of Problems 8 marks
2. Development of Design Proposal 24 marks
3. Making / Modelling 24 marks
4. Evaluation + Testing 12 marks
5. Communication + Presentation 12 marks
A2 Course (AQA specification 2551)
Unit 3 (Theory Exam)
Design + Manufacture.
Design + Market influences.
Processes + Manufacture.
Materials + Components.
INCLUDES AS THEORY CONTENT
Section 1: Famous Designer, Sustainability, Technological Developments, etc
Section 2: Influence of ICT: CADCAM, Systems/Safety, QAQC, Scales of Production, etc
Unit 4 (Coursework Project)
1. Context + Objectives 5 marks
2. Plan of Action + Clarification of Problem 8 marks
3. Development of Design Proposal 26 marks
4. Manufacturing / Modelling 26 marks
5. Conclusions, Evaluations, Recommendations 12 marks
6. Communication + Presentation 8 marks
Entry requirements
Thinking creatively and analytically, communicating effectively using a wide range of methods. These will include explaining concepts, clear annotation, freehand sketching, model-making and detailed drawing, Computer-Aided Design.
Being self-disciplined with coursework: keeping to specific short-term deadlines and also pacing yourself carefully with long-term project work. You will need stamina and a ‘little and often’ approach rather than intermittent late nights! Ideally you will be keen to attend extra-curricular sessions.
Ideally you will have completed a successful high grade GCSE project displaying a good level of practical skill, and found the theory exam content at that level to have been both interesting and relatively easy to master.
Assessment
You will be taught by both teachers in the Department. Each year the bulk of your time will focus on the design and manufacture of a single substantial Project of your own choosing (with our agreement!). There will also be regular theory lessons (spiced up with props, DVDs, etc). As the year progresses, you will focus increasingly on the project and teachers will support you with this in lessons and in after-school sessions. You would be expected to put in extra-curricular workshop time, being very welcome at after-school ‘shed’ sessions as well as during any study periods that suit you.
Financial information
Fees will be payable for this course. Further details regarding scholarships, bursaries and exact fees are available on the website.
Future opportunities
D&T is relevant to a wide range of career disciplines, particularly those in the creative industries. D&T is a key requirement for those wishing to follow courses in Industrial/Product Design, but is also a very suitable qualification for Engineering and for those intending to follow more artistic careers.
Further information
Please be aware that St Chris Sixth Form is a fee-paying independent provider.
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact St Christopher School directly.
