Aqa Design And Technology Product Design 3d Design As A2

D&T Product Design allows students to explore CAD modelling, drawing and presentation techniques and has an integral 3D element involving model making and use of workshop machinery.

The D&T Product Design course is compatible with most other A-level courses, depending on your chosen career path. These include Art & Design, Textile Design, Photography, Communication Studies, Business Studies, Mathematics and Physics. The exact combination can lead to different career options and can be discussed with staff at enrolment events.

Please note that both DT Product Design and Design Engineering courses lead to the same qualification so cannot be taken together.

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Product Design & Design Engineering Open Event Presentation

Choosing Your Design Course

The College runs three design courses:

DT Product Design
DT Design Engineering
Graphic Communication

DT Product Design allows students to explore CAD modelling, drawing and presentation techniques. It has an integral 3D element involving iterative model making and uses workshop machinery and 3D printing to produce physical outcomes. DT Design Engineering has many parallels to the DT Product Design course and they cannot be taken together. Graphic Communication encourages free expression and focuses on font work and the relationship between typography and image leading to purely 2D outcomes.

Course Overview

Product Design and Graphic Communication have some complementary overlaps and can be taken together by students who wish to specialise in design at a higher level.

Students following this A-level Product Design course will explore product design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered during the Product Design course include iterative design, technical illustration and high-level design sketching with a focus on industrial and commercial practices to understand materials and manufacturing techniques.

The use of industry-standard computer graphics packages and CAD software is included in the course, alongside more traditional skills such as rendering, marker pen work and presentation. 3D modelling is integrated with 2D graphic techniques to produce students with outstanding skills. Integral to the course is the iterative design process. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and will gain an understanding of, and simulate the work of professional designers in their project work.

This is a highly successful course with many years of outstanding results. Staff have long term experience and have helped author both the Course Guide and Revision Guide and work closely with the exam board to set standards for other centres to follow. This experience means that our learners benefit from great teaching and real insight into the qualification allowing them to attain the highest grades.

Creative Arts Students Discuss the Annual Art Exhibition

Course content

First Year

The first year of the course is divided into separate modules, commencing with an induction course.

Students will explore product design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered during the Product Design coursework include iterative design, technical illustration and high-level design sketching, with a focus on industrial and commercial practices to understand materials and manufacturing techniques. The use of industry-standard computer graphics packages and CAD software is included in the course, alongside more traditional skills such as rendering, marker pen work and presentation. 3D modelling is integrated with 2D graphic techniques to produce students with outstanding skills. Integral to the course is the iterative design process. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and will gain an understanding of, and simulate the work of professional designers in their project work.

Second Year

By the end of the first year, students will have gained the comprehensive design skills necessary to commence their NEA coursework project. This will be the main focus of their study until completion around Easter, and will lead to a quality prototype model and work suitable for portfolios. They will then prepare for summer examination with intensive revision and thorough exam practice.

Unit 1

Principles of Product Design

Exam board OCR

Exam

26.7%

Unit 2

Problem Solving

Exam board OCR

Exam

23.3%

Unit 3

Iterative Design Project

Exam board OCR

Coursework

50%

Some highlights from DT Product Design!

Product Design at St Brendan's

Methods of Teaching and Learning

A series of focused design tasks are set, that are organised so that you develop a wide range of graphic and design skills and understanding.

Enrichment

Visits are made to the New Designers exhibition in London.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is undertaken by a combination of coursework assessment and written/design examination. There is a Maths content in the examined unit equalling 15% of the grade. This is at higher tier GCSE maths level and will be taught as part of the theory content for the course.

Resources

Design and Technology has a purpose-built suite of rooms complete with a design studio and workshop including a range of industry-standard CNC machines. New to the department is a suite of 3D printers. This allows students to rapid prototype CAD designs.

Progression

On successful completion of these courses, and depending on other A-level subjects taken, students can develop their studies through a range of Higher Education courses. These include: Arts Foundation, 2D and 3D degree courses, architecture, interior design and CAD/CAM based manufacturing courses.

Other Information

You will be asked to do a small assignment before starting the course. This must be completed before enrolment.

Plenty of advice will be given and no specialist equipment is necessary.

FAQs

Additional Costs

he additional costs for this subject are as follows:

Product Design year 1- £30 studio fee and cost of studio kit is £50.16

Product Design year 2- £30 studio fee and no kit.

Financial assistance is available via the college Bursary Scheme

How to order a studio kit