A-Level
As an A Level, Design and Technology is increasingly sought after by Universities in combination with sciences or arts A Levels (Design and Technology/Physics/Maths, or Design and Technology/Art/English for example).
The subject allows for a versatile environment of teaching, learning and assessment and caters for a wide variety of backgrounds and future directions. However, students are expected to have gained a grade B or better at GCSE in an appropriate Design and Technology syllabus.
Design and Technology naturally suits the post-Dearing requirements of an increased breadth of provision at A Level and the acquisition of key skills such as communication and problem solving. Students invariably enjoy this subject, many of them going on to study related areas at university and eventually work in fields such as product design and engineering. Occasionally they come back to ask for advice!
The department has excellent facilities and a broad teaching expertise, including electronics, systems and control, CAD/CAM and comprehensive manufacturing equipment for wood, metal and plastics. This is complemented by our own computer suite and a dedicated graphics room.
We follow the Edexcel specification at A Level. This Board offers an integrated and transparent approach to the course material, with well-defined aims and expectations. The two-year course comprises six units, 1,2 and 3 leading to AS certification and 4, 5 and 6 leading to A2:
1. Product analysis
2. Design and Make project
3. Materials, Components and Systems (1) CAD/CAM (1)
4. Materials, Components and Systems (2) CAD/CAM2 (2)
5. Design and Make project
6. Design paper/Design Research paper
Throughout the course students will learn advanced theories of design, manufacture and technology, as well as evaluating existing products, systems and ideas.
Design and Technology challenges its students to work independently both inside and outside the confines of school. It is hugely rewarding both academically and personally.