Design and Technology
A Level
Design and Technology at A Level endeavours to challenge creativity in students, providing a thought-provoking qualification which strengthens their practical skills, theoretical knowledge and, importantly, the confidence to succeed in a number of careers.
Eltham College follows the newly introduced AQA Design and Technology: Product Design qualification and the students gain a level of criticality that is useful in all subjects and particularly useful in higher education, through the substantial undertaking of their major written and practical project.
Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on Design and Technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice. Students increase their understanding and practical application of leading industry software, including Solidworks and CREO 3D CAD and explore the relationship between solid modelling of their design ideas and prototype realisation through several of the CAM solutions available to them. Eltham College has well-equipped workshops, with several 3D printers, including a highly accurate SLA 3D printer, a CNC Plasma Cutter, two CNC routers and powerful laser cutter, in conjunction with traditional fabrication facilities.
The A Level is examined through two written papers, a written portfolio and a final prototype for the non-examined assessment (NEA), worth 25% each and 50% of the qualification, respectively. The Design and Technology A Level is recognised as a third A Level for most Engineering courses for prospective students wishing to apply to Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial Universities.
Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. They will follow an iterative design process, investigating valid solutions to real problems with real clients, placing them into relevant design situations at an early stage. The course is strongly recommended for students wishing to read a design related discipline, Engineering or Architecture.
