Design Technology A Level

At its heart, Design & Technology is about combining curiosity, problem-solving and creativity to find solutions to real world problems. If you are creative, practical and technically minded, if you are driven to investigate challenging problems and deliver user-centred solutions, then DT could be for you.

You will carry out practical work using industry standard equipment, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, alongside lessons which focus on the theoretical study of design, material properties and manufacturing. You will be taught by specialist teachers and hear from alumni and guest speakers from industry. The course is further enriched with external trips to design events and exhibitions in Cambridge, London and beyond.

You will develop your understanding of real-world problems and come up with effective, empathetic solutions. We will discuss issues such as ecology, ethics, economics, cultural differences and social responsibility, as well as how designers can improve people’s lives.

Your project work will involve research, creative problem-solving, project management as well as designing and making skills. You will learn how to generate and communicate design ideas with professional computer-aided-design software as well as develop your freehand sketching and rendering. You will consolidate your new skills by undertaking a major coursework project consisting of a portfolio and making a prototype. This is your chance to really explore your interests as you will set your own brief and develop work that will aid you in your own unique progression route.

Managing your own projects and balancing the practical and theoretical demands of the course is a challenging experience, but one that will provide you with fantastic transferable skills for any industry. Design & Technology A Level goes well with the sciences, Maths and other technical courses, as well as artistic and creative subjects. Our students go on to university courses, apprenticeships or employment in product design, fashion & textile design, architecture, interior design, graphic design, 3D design, art, engineering and many others.

Year 1 Modules

Designing Skills

Exam Theory

Year 2 Modules

Final Coursework Project

Exams

50% Exam

50% Coursework

Exam Board: AQA

Our students go on to university courses, apprenticeships or employment in product design, fashion & textiles design, architecture, interior design, graphic design, 3D design, art, engineering and many others.

Examples of institutions include Loughborough University, Long Road Level 4 Art and Design Foundation, Norwich University of the Arts, Liverpool University, Leeds University, Brunel University, Marshal’s Aerospace.