In Year 12 all lessons will be linked to exam theory with many practical mini projects done to top up practical skills. 3D software is taught and students get to use the laser cutter and 3D printer. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) will be introduced around Easter time and you will develop a specific brief that meets the needs of a user, client or market. The brief must be of an appropriate level of complexity and contain a degree of uncertainty of the outcome so that you can engage in an iterative process of designing, making, testing and evaluating.

You will produce a final prototype based on the design brief you have developed, along with a digital design portfolio, which needs to be; an individual project with genuine real life opportunities for a chosen client.

In Year 13 work will continue on the NEA portfolio including research, design, modelling, prototyping, testing and evaluating. Exam theory will still continue throughout the year.

The A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design specification has been designed to encourage you to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop your capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.

In order to succeed in Design and Technology, students must be independent learners and be able to work on projects inside and outside of the classroom.

Design and Technology Knowledge Organiser