GCSE Product Design

This course aims to:

Provide candidates with the opportunity to develop and explore a range of making and designing skills.
Encourages candidates to creatively respond to design briefs combining designing and modelling skills.
Investigate and research a design problem, analyse different people’s views and develop a creative design in response.
Create and develop a portfolio of designing whilst developing and experimenting with different materials and processes.
Use a range of tools and equipment to manufacture, test and evaluate a product along with the opportunity to use CAD, other new and traditional media and materials.

Why study GCSE Product Design?

This course is designed to allow students the chance to design and make original products creatively. Students will be enthused by the range of practical opportunities available. The course allows students to develop their design and make skills alongside the theoretical learning that will underpin their own design decisions. The course allows for a diverse range of outcomes and encourages students to take risks and explore what is possible when designing and making.

What kind of student is suitable for this course?

This course would be suitable for students who like to appreciate design in its many forms and who enjoy using their imagination. Students who choose this GCSE will have a passion for being creative, designing and making, modelling ideas and refining them to get the best outcome possible. They should be interested in analysing products with a curious eye for finding out more about what interests them as emerging designers.

What career options are opened up by the course?

This course is suitable for students who are interested in careers in product design, industrial design, engineering, manufacturing and architecture. This course promotes not just practical skills but understanding of the design process. This course would also benefit students who are interested in careers that require an ability to make decisions, solve problems and think divergently.

Course Structure

Content

The course comprises of 50% controlled assessment unit and 50% written paper.

50% Design and making Practice

Candidates will undertake a brief set by the exam board they then must design and make a product in response. They will research, design, develop and make their ideas presenting their responses in their portfolio.

50% Written Paper

Candidates will be tested on their understanding of the design process, manufacturing and their knowledge of materials and potential applications. The exam will also focus on the candidate’s ability to respond to a design brief within a limited amount of time.

Key Contacts

Ms Leggett, Head of Product Design

Syllabus Website

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552