6th Form Prospectus

Design and Technology - Product Design What’s it all about? This course is an introduction to the world of product design – an industry which increasingly has a greater impact upon our daily lives. From the electronic devices with which we interface to the vehicles that transport us, the buildings that protect us and the systems and products that make our lives safer, healthier and happier - both now and in the future. The course aims to stimulate students’ creativity through innovation, problem-solving, design, development and realisation. Subject knowledge is not therefore acquired for its own sake, but to aid the process of finding tangible solutions to problems which arise in everyday life in an industrial and commercial context. We simply ask the questions: What should we do? Why should we do it? How should we do it? We have an outstanding team of staff delivering the course who, through their own specialisms and experiences, bring the correct balance of skill and technological know-how within an inclusive and supportive environment. As a school we are technology-rich and have an abundance of CAD (Solidworks; Corel Draw; Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop; Boxford Design Tools) and CAM (3D-Printer; CNC lathe; miller; laser-cutter; plotter-cutter) at our disposal. To enhance this we have strong industry and university links which give us access to Waterjet and Abrasivejet cutting as well as CNC routing. Exam and Assessment Information: AQA Paper 1 - 30% of A Level Technical Principles Written exam: 2.5 hours - 120 marks Paper 2 - 20% of A Level Designing and Making Principles Written exam: 1.5 hours - 80 marks Non-exam assessment (NEA) - 50% of A Level Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge. Substantial design and make task. 45 hours - 100 marks ”A designer knows they have achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” Antoine de Saint Exupery Our students say … “Studying Product Design at King James’s has provided me with a broad range of opportunities as well as the ability to challenge myself through great facilities and excellent staff. The design team are particularly welcoming with support being given not just during lessons but often after school and into early evenings - such is their dedication that they make you feel like you are their main priority.” What next? There is no better time to think about a career in the field of design, and it has always been the British who lead the field in numerous areas. Designers such as Sir Jonathan Ive (Apple), James Dyson (product design), Norman Foster (architecture), Richard Seymour & Dick Powell (product design) and Ian Callum (automotive) to name but a few. This A Level course will set the foundations for further study at university. To get started: You will need a grade 4 or above in GCSE and also need to show commitment in meeting frequent deadlines to produce an extensive design portfolio and be willing to work beyond the four hours of lesson-time in order to fully access the facilities at your disposal. Entry Requirements Five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English and Maths AND Grade 4 in Product Design or 3D Design 24