This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Course Aims:

• Be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise whilst considering their role as responsible designers and citizens
• Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world
• Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners
• Gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries
• Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients
• Develop knowledge and experience of real world contexts for design and technological activity
• Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use
• Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype/product
• Be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including maths and science, to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology
• Be able to work safely and skillfully to produce high-quality prototypes/products
• Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors
• Develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including the use of maths and science for analysis and informing decisions in design.

Non-Exam Assessment:

• This is a substantial design and make task. Evidence is produced in the form of a written or digital portfolio and photographic evidence of the final prototype.

Learning strategies:

• How things are Made
• Discovery Channel
• How things work
• The Design Centre
• Visit the Science Museum
• Disassembling items to find out how they function
• Develop drawing skills to present their ideas
• To look closely at your surroundings and objects you use on a daily basis and make informed opinions on function and aesthetics