EDEXCEL/8GR01/9GR01
COURSE CONTENT
The course is based on designing and making products in the area of Graphic Products. Throughout the course you gain the understanding and skills necessary to design and make good quality products for differing markets. You learn how to think up ideas for solutions to problems, communicate your ideas to other people, and choose and develop ideas through research, planning, evaluating and making. The emphasis at this level is to develop motivated learners and to build on skills acquired at GCSE in Design and Technology or in an equivalent design based vocational course or Art and Design course.
The course provides you with the opportunity to follow the two key areas:
Conceptual design which incorporates a wide range of 3D products with associated graphics such as:
- Packaging Design
- Product/Industrial Design
- Point of Sale Display
- Vehicle Design
Built Environment projects which focus on the human kind surroundings that provide the setting for human activity such as:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Exhibition Design
- Theatre Design
- Garden Design
This is a course that provides you with:
- An excellent progression from GCSE Design and Technology courses in Product Design, Graphic Products and Resistant Materials Technology, as well as vocational courses in Manufacturing, Engineering or Design. This is also suitable for students who may not have taken a Design and Technology related course but studied Art at GCSE.
- The opportunity to develop your own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills in promoting innovation and self-motivation.
- The opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding to a range of technological activities.
- The opportunity to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.
- The opportunity to follow a broad-based product design course specialising in Graphics where you will develop skills to design 2D graphics media, (eg graphic artwork, advertising, packaging nets etc.) and 3D designs using at least one resistant material (eg wood, metal or plastic) such as concept/prototype block models and architectural interior design models.
- The opportunity to experience work related activities that link to the industrial and commercial world.
- The opportunity to learn and apply new ICT skills through designing and making products.
- An excellent vehicle for developing and demonstrating Key Skills.
ASSESSMENT
The course is divided into four units of study:
| Unit 1 |
Portfolio of Creative Skills |
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This is a coursework based unit in which you are given the opportunity to develop your creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. You will produce one portfolio of work with three distinct sections which will demonstrate your creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making a product or products.
This unit is worth 60% of the total AS mark and 30% of the total A level mark.
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| Unit 2 |
Design and Technology in Practice |
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In this unit you will develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of Graphic Design. You will learn about materials, and processes so that you can develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured. You will learn about industrial and commercial practices, and the importance of quality checks and health and safety issues that have to be considered at all times.
At the end of this unit you will sit a written examination of 1½ hours based on the content of this unit. This examination is worth 40% of the total AS mark and 20% of the total GCE A level mark.
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Units 1 and 2 must be passed before you can be credited with an AS level award in this subject. These units are covered in the first year of the course. The following two units are covered in the second year providing you successfully compete Units 1 and 2.
| Unit 3 |
Designing for the Future |
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In this unit you will further develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. As a potential modern designer you must develop a good working knowledge of the use of ICT and systems and control technology in order to successfully design and manufacture products. This unit provides the opportunity to do this and allow you to build up an awareness of how designers from the past have provided inspiration for modern designers. You will also learn about the importance of sustainable technology in designing products for the future.
At the end of this unit you will sit a written examination of 2 hours based on the content of the unit.
This examination is worth 40% of the total A2 mark and 20% of the total GCE A level mark.
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| Unit 4 |
Commercial Design |
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In this coursework based unit you are given the opportunity to apply the skills you have acquired and developed throughout the course to design and make a product of your choice. The product must contain a 2D or 3D element and be linked to a client or user group, demonstrating it could be commercially viable. You will have to consider in this unit the impact of your product could have on the environment. Sustainability will be a key factor to consider when designing your product.
This unit is worth 60% of the total A2 work and 30% of the total GCE A level mark.
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THE REQUIREMENTS
For this course you will need a minimum of grade B at GCSE in Design and Technology: Product Design, Graphic Products, Resistant Materials or Art and Design, or an equivalent grade in a related vocational course such as Engineering, Manufacturing or Design. In addition, students will be expected to be able to have some further background knowledge.
THE FUTURE
Product Design, Theatre Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, 3 Dimensional Design, Furniture Design, Trading Standards Officer, Advertising and Marketing, Architecture, Film, Television Media, Computer Graphics and Computer Aided Design, Packaging Design, Vehicle Design and Garden Design.
FURTHER INFORMATION
See Mr T Woodward, Subject Leader for Design and Technology.
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