Product Design

Course Highlight:
Local and national trips to Universities, the engineering industry links, design shows and the final ‘major project’ (and showcase at our own summer show).

Progression routes and future career
Careers pathways include product design, engineering and architecture.

Future careers paths could involve a degree in product design, for example at Bournemouth University. This page and video shows their course, and gives a good insight into the A Level that will be studied here at Ferndown Upper School:

https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/courses/ba-hons-product-design

Desirable Skills:
Ambitious, creative designers who can work methodically through set tasks. A keen interest in the world of design and a thirst for learning something new!

Other subjects that work well with this course are:
Any STEM (for example maths and/or physics) or Art/Creative subject.

Why study D&T: Product Design at A Level?
“Design & Technology is a phenomenally important subject. Logical, creative and practical. It’s the only opportunity students have to apply what they learn in Maths and Science – directly preparing them for a career in engineering.” Sir James Dyson
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the understanding, theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in a number of careers – especially those in Engineering and creative industries. They 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, or designing for a client or specific target audience, and have the opportunity to practice practical skills to enable them to realise their designs and bring them to life. 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.

Course overview
Learn through a mixture of different methods and styles of teaching as follows:
Theoretical learning about the technical principles of product design and D&T.
Guided (coached) learning when generating and developing of design ideas through a series of short design tasks.
Practical workshop and machine sessions that help develop skills through focussed practical tasks (and a larger design and make task in Year 13).
Students have the opportunity to be creative and apply the practical skills learnt in GCSE D&T courses to a much higher level.

A student studying Product Design will:
Investigate materials, processes and health and safety considerations.
Improve knowledge and skills related to research, design, making, testing and analysis.
Develop CAD and manufacturing skills used in the industry.