Course Content
You will be designing and making products and a folder of work using creative presentation techniques and skills and then learn CAD software (computer aided design) to design your products. You will be using materials and processes to make the products hand and using laser cutters, 3d printers and many other workshop tools and materials. You will learn about manufacturing processes (how products are made), materials (what products are made from) and environmental awareness (product lifecycle, recycling).
Year 12
Y12 Assessment
Component 1: Personal investigation
- Assessed
- Started in June of Y12 and completed by middle of January of Y13
- 96 marks
- 60% of A-level
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Passive Amplifier
Core Knowledge
- MATERIALS AND PROCESSES
- Mood board
- Initial Sketching Ideas x3
- Prototype Design x 3
Core Skills
- Understanding the work of others
- Analysis of existing products and reflection
- Inspiration for independent design ideas
- Iterative processes
- Hand modelling skills
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark schemeConstant marking and feedback
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Passive Amplifier
Core Knowledge
- MATERIALS AND PROCESSES
- Sketching Development
- Prototype Development
- Material Investigation
- CAD Drawings & Parts List
Core Skills
- Material investigation and selection
- Material properties
- Processes and Techniques
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark scheme
- Constant marking and feedback
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Passive Amplifier
Core Knowledge
- MATERIALS AND PROCESSES
- Third Angle Orthographic Projection
- Assembly & Manufacturing
- Client Feedback and Evaluation
- Reflection
Core Skills
- Technical Drawing
- Critical reflection
- Client communication
- Perspective drawing
- Biomimicry
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark scheme
- Constant marking and feedback
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Headphone Stand
Core Knowledge
- CAD DRAWINGS
- Mood board
- Initial Sketching Ideas x3
- Prototype Design x 3
- Sketching Development
Core Skills
- Understanding the work of others
- Analysis of existing products and reflection
- Inspiration for independent design ideas
- Iterative processes
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark scheme
- Constant marking and feedback
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Headphone Stand
Core Knowledge
- CAD DRAWINGS
- Third Angle Orthographic Projection
- Prototype Development
- Material Investigation
- CAD Drawings & Parts List
Core Skills
- Hand modelling skills
- Material investigation and selection
- Material properties
- Technical Drawing
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark scheme
- Constant marking and feedback
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Headphone Stand
Core Knowledge
- CAD DRAWINGS
- Assembly & Manufacturing
- Client Feedback and Evaluation
- Reflection
Core Skills
- Processes and Techniques
- Critical reflection
- Perspective drawing
Assessment
- AQA prescriptive mark scheme
- Constant marking and feedback
Year 13
Y13 Assessment
- Response to an externally set assignment
- Assessed
- Preparatory period plus 15 hours supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of A-level
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Personal Investigation | Non-exam assessment | No time limit | 60% |
| 2: Externally set assignment | Non-exam assessment | Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time | 40% |
Component 2: Externally set assignment:
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1 Introduction / Research
Core Knowledge
- Understanding the requirements of Component 1 (Assessment Objectives – AO1/2/3/4).
Core Skills
- Pupil specific research and practical activities, based upon chosen topics.
Assessment
- Research diary.
- A3 portfolio.
- Practical activities selected.
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1 Research & Coursework
Core Knowledge
- Application of preferred processes, relevant for the Component 1 chosen topic (Assessment Objectives – AO1/2/3/4).
Core Skills
- Pupil specific research and practical activities, based upon chosen topics.
Assessment
- Research diary.
- A3 portfolio.
- Practical activities selected.
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1 Research & Coursework
- Component 2 Research, Coursework & Exam Preparation (February onwards)
Core Knowledge
- Application of preferred processes, relevant for Component 1 & 2 chosen topics (Assessment Objectives – AO1/2/3/4).
- 1,000 to 3,000 word essay, for component 1.
Core Skills
- Pupil specific research and practical activities, based upon chosen topics.
Assessment
- Research diaries.
- A3 portfolios.
- Practical activities selected.
- Component 1 mandatory essay.
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1 Coursework Completion
- Component 2 Coursework & Exam Preparation
Core Knowledge
- Application of preferred processes, relevant for Component 1 & 2 chosen topics (Assessment Objectives – AO1/2/3/4)
Core Skills
- Pupil specific research and practical activities, based upon chosen topics.
- Component 2 examination preparation work.
Assessment
- Research diaries.
- A3 portfolios.
- Practical activities selected.
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Component 2 (Exam)
Core Knowledge
- Application of preferred processes, relevant for Component 2 chosen topic (Assessment Objectives – AO1/2/3/4)
Core Skills
- Pupil specific evidence and practical activities, based upon chosen topic.
Assessment
- 15 hr Practical Examination
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- N/A
Core Knowledge
- N/A
Core Skills
- N/A
Assessment
- N/A
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: AQA
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
The course compliments Graphics, Art & Design, English Language, English Literature, Computing, ICT, Psychology and the sciences.
Career Opportunities
Product Design leads to University or apprentice based careers, from creative arts and design to engineering, including Product design; Interior design; Industrial design; Automotive design; Computer based design; Architecture; Teaching; Advertising; Manufacturing; Engineering (aerospace, F1, industrial, construction, transport infrastructure), and STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) careers. Design is one of the top 3 most popular courses/careers at university/college.