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This course is for students who enjoy being creative when tackling design problems and working accurately when making products. You will be spending a significant amount of time researching, sketching, modelling and refining your design ideas. When appropriate you will move towards manufacture using both hand tools and machines. The ultimate test of your ability is when your outcome is being used by others, and you receive feedback. Computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) supports the fast and accurate production of outcomes and you will be using industry standard CAD software (Autodesk Fusion) and CAM machinery (routers, laser cutters and 3D printers etc). You will address the mathematical content of this course by applying maths in project work and examined scenarios that involve calculating ratios, percentages, areas and volumes etc. When you have completed this course, you will have a digital portfolio of projects, as evidence of your broad skill set and capability.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and a grade 5 or above in Design & Technology, 3D Design or Engineering.
Year 1 • Project: You will gain skills and knowledge through working on three mini projects that collectively encompass all aspects of the design and make process. These projects will enable you to practise and master techniques linked to outcomes in storage, lighting and seating, and help to relate aspects of study topics. • Study: You will learn about material: properties, testing, characteristics, enhancement and finishing, and then link this knowledge to manufacturing pathways e.g. casting, 3D printing, laminating timber etc. Year 2 • Project: You will be designing and making a product that seeks to address an identified need. This work will require you to: observe and resolve problems, plan actions, explore and communicate opportunities, make and finish to a high standard using wood, metals or polymers, and then test and suggest modifications in the light of user feedback. • Study: You will learn more about the range of constraints, influences and opportunities that impact the work of designers e. g. culture and society, industrialisation, sustainability, new technologies and human characteristics etc.
All lessons are undertaken in a large and modern purpose-built design and make space, where you can move from designing to making when you are ready. Everything from a modern CAD suite, layout space, workbenches and traditional and modern machinery is all combined in one space. You will be encouraged to develop independence in both thought and action, but staff are extensively available to support you with your work when you need more time or another opinion. Learning is achieved through project work and topic-based activities. Projects help you to gain confidence, design capability and practical skills and allow you to focus on your interests.
• 50% Coursework • 30% Technical Principles exam • 20% Design and Making Principles exam
£35 for core textbook.
Students will need to cover the cost of materials and resources used in the production of models and prototypes.
Students who successfully complete this course can, and have, move onto higher education or into employment along the following design-based routes: product designer, industrial designer, product engineer, model-maker, craft worker, production designer, draughtsperson, CAD operator, interior architect, architect, technologist, ergonomist etc.
