Our Curriculum Aims

Key Stage 5 Design and Technology Specification: Pearson Edexcel (9DT0)

Why Choose A-level?  

Design and Technology is about solving problems in the real world. AGSB students develop advanced design skills and gain an enhanced understanding of the nature of Engineering. Throughout our curriculum, and in exciting extracurricular work, students find creative solutions to real Engineering problems. Our course at a-level emphasises the multidisciplinary nature of Engineering and the links between Engineering Design, Science and Mathematics.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.

• identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes.

• acquire subject knowledge in design and technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.
   
• take every opportunity to integrate and apply their understanding and knowledge from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, with a particular focus on science and mathematics, and those subjects they are studying alongside A Level Design and Technology.
  
• be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise while considering their role as responsible designers and citizens.
   
• develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world.
  
• work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners.
  
• gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries.
  
• Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of clients/end users.
  
• develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.

• be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype.
   
•  be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including mathematics and science, to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology.

• be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes.

• have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors.

• develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including the use of mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in design.

Key Stage Five Curriculum Overview 

Year 12

YEAR 13

Practical Work is marked according to the A-level marking criteria and formative assessments are offered.  Students are encouraged to record the feedback sessions and act upon the suggestions in the form of a self-evaluation.

Project work is assessed depending on the category submitted and is graded numerically according to the EDEXCEL mark scheme.  Personalised feedback is offered both verbally and in written format via email throughout Year 12 and 13 so that pupils are well-prepared for the NEA task and can undertake it independently.  Personalised feedback in Year 13 is prohibited under NEA guidance, but general feedback to the class based on submissions can be expected after each deadline.  Homework is set in line with the policy and independent working tasks should be completed in private study such that, for each hour of taught content, pupils carry out an hour of independent work.