Trend spotting is inexact, but according to the centre for economics and business research cebr , the uk is set for a science and technology boom, with the sector accounting for around a quarter of all new jobs by 2016/17. Cebr economist daniel solomon says: growth for the stem industries has held up better than for non stem occupations, and i think it’s a robust prediction. It’s very encouraging for those seeking employment after doing stem degrees. product design at as and a2 is in many ways the natural progression for those who have studied either graphics or resistant materials at gcse. It is however also possible to follow this route if you have taken systems and contol during the previous two years. Whilst we normally expect you to have taken the subject at gcse and achieved a high grade, in exceptional circumstances we will consider students who have not done so.

The course is designed to offer students the opportunity to study, propose, develop and realise prototype solutions to a variety of designing and making situations, closely related to the real world of product manufacture. Students will take on the role of a designer building up awareness and understanding of all the issues to be considered in the planning, design, manufacture and marketing of products. They will carry out critical evaluations of existing products and incorporate their findings into the design of their own products. Course structure at as level h053 module f521 advanced innovation challenge assessed practical 50% as – 25% a2 candidates take part in a timed design challenge based on a pre released theme, under examination conditions. Module f522 product study – coursework 50% as – 25% a2 candidates carry out an in depth product analysis resulting in suggestions for improvements. This is a coursework component that is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by ocr.

Course structure at a2 level h453 module f523 designing, make, evaluate – coursework 25% a2 candidates are required to produce a portfolio and product. The project is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by ocr. Module f524 product design – exam 25% a2 a written paper that consists of two components. This is a design and make unit where knowledge of the as and a2 subject content is applied to the design and manufacture of candidates' own projects. Aqa will provide exemplar material and detailed guidance to illustrate the standard of work required for this coursework unit.

Six criteria are produced for assessment and each criterion has five bands of marks. Each band should be viewed holistically when making assessments a weakness in one element of a level, for example, can be balanced by strengths in another. Candidates who produce no work for a criterion, or who produce work below a2 standard, should be awarded a mark of zero. A gcse grade b or above in product design or double ‘cc’ or above in engineering with a grade b in english and mathematics why design and technology: product design? the specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. A building that you admire sprang from the drawing board of an architect, and it’s not a new phenomenon. Our fascination with 3d design goes back to flint arrow heads and earthenware pots.

Of course you need creativity, in order to imagine the shape and function of the object. But you’ll also need to know about manufacturing processes, materials and marketing. You have an idea and with the use of tools like clay or computers it comes to life. Imagine how satisfying it must be for the person who designed the iphone or razor to hold the finished product in their hand. as examination unit 1 prod1 materials, components and application this unit provides details of the subject content to be covered by candidates at as level.

The content has been divided into three sections: section a: materials and components section b: design and market influences section c: processes and manufacture pdf , last updated: 04 november 2011 pdf , last updated: 04 november 2011 there are two compulsory coursework modules: one at as and one at a2. For each coursework unit, students must complete an internally assessed practical project, which we moderate. Students must analyse an existing product with a view to redesigning it or an aspect of it. Students must produce: a 3 dimensional model or proto type that represents the practical outcome of the product analysis and development and a portfolio of no more than 10 a3 sheets containing written and graphical support material. In carrying out this coursework assignment, students should have opportunities to complete the following steps: investigation and analysis of product explore a range of existing similar products. re design solutions and development write a re design specification. The client employs the designer and sets the brief for the designer to work to.

The designer plans the design of the product, and presents product ideas and prototypes protoype. a full size working model of a design used for testing, development and evaluation. to the client. The designer needs to understand the market into which the product is to be sold. This means choosing the most effective method of production and the best organisation of equipment and people. The manufacturer also decides the best way to quality control the production process.