DT A-Level

Design & Technology at A Level  (3-D Product Design) AQA 2550

AS Outline
At AS Level candidates should develop an understanding of a broad range of materials, with emphasis on the life cycle of products, manufacture and final disposal. This specification also considers the broader issues for the designer, including the environmental sustainability of products and consumer safety.

The AS has 2 units:
Unit 1 Topic list

• Developing an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties in a broad range of materials and components
• The broader issues for the designer, including the environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture
• Methods in which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products
• Health and safety issues relevant to working with materials
• Computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM)
• Ergonomics and anthropometrics, inclusive design, and consumer safety
• The life cycle of products, including manufacture, use and functional aspects and final disposal.

Assessment
Written Exam: 2 hours
Weighting: 50% of total AS / 25% of total A Level marks

This paper is based primarily on Materials and Components, consisting of three sections:

• Section 1 contains compulsory limited response questions
• Section 2 offers a choice of one question from two
• Section 3 contains one compulsory question.

Unit 2 Coursework Assessment
Coursework: Approximately 50 hours
Weighting: 50% of total AS / 25% of total A Level marks

This unit is in the form of a written design portfolio similar to the one completed at GCSE.

A2 Outline
At A2, candidates are offered the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and practical skills. Candidates will continue to develop a body of coursework alongside an understanding of the processes and procedures of commercial production and manufacture.

A2 has 2 units which build on the units from AS:
Unit 3 Topic List

• Classifying materials and identifying, testing and comparing their application to product manufacture
• The implications of Health and Safety as an element of design activity
• Examination of alternative designs and redesigning existing products
• Use of natural resources, materials utilisation, conservation, waste disposal/ management, pollution, recycling
• Appreciation and understanding of the use of CAM for industrial production
• Moral, economic, social and environmental responsibilities of the designer
• Planning production procedures and methods.

Assessment
Written Exam: 2 hours
Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks

This paper is based primarily on Design and Manufacture; it is the Synoptic paper. The paper consists of two sections with a choice of three questions from six. This written paper will include sufficient synoptic assessment to test the candidates' understanding of the connections between the different elements of the subject and their holistic understanding of the subject.

Unit 4 Coursework
Assessment
Coursework: Approximately 60 hours
Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks

This unit is a written design folder. Candidates submit evidence of a single, substantial designing and making activity.

Please visit the AQA website for full exam specifications

To see photos of DT Coursework Autumn 2011 click here

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