Graphics with Resistant Materials Technology AS A2

Exam Board EDEXCEL

Course content

The design curriculum team offer an AS/A level course called Product Design – Graphics with Materials Technology. This is essentially 2 courses AS (taken & examined in year 12) and A2 (examined at the end of year 13).

They are combined to create a full A level although the AS course is intended to be a separate unit which extends students’ experiences from GCSE or on to further study which can be added at a later date to gain the full A-level.

Subject Content

Design
Design and Technology in Society
Manufacturing and Processes
Advertising
CAD/CAM
Marketing
Idea Generation
Environmental Issues
Developing Health and Safety
Modelling
Graphic Rendering Skills
Researching
Materials
Testing and Evaluation

Students need to have a Grade C or above in either resistant materials, graphics or electronic products at GCSE. Students who have other relevant qualifications like Art or Textiles should speak to the Head of Design to discuss possible entry to the course.

Assessment

AS Unit 1
50%
Product Development
Coursework project (25% of Advanced GCE)

AS Unit 2
50%
Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design
Exam (25% of Advanced GCE)

A2 Unit 3
25%
Further Study of Product Design
Exam

A2 Unit 4
25%
Commercial Product Development
Coursework project

Possible Careers

A good grade in design studies can widely expand the amount of jobs you can choose as project work and creative problem solving are key skills to many occupations. Within the design disciplines this course can lead onto many specialist areas like graphic, product, exhibition, film set, interior design and architecture.