Students who choose to study Product Design at Key Stage 5 follow the AQA 3D Product Design A level course. 

We have excellent Technology facilities at Marlborough along with experienced staff who are able to pass on a range of skills, both practical and theoretical to students which result in high quality outcomes.

Course Content:

Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. 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.

Assessment:

Non-Examination Assessment - students have to produce a written or digital design portfolio which includes photographic evidence of a final prototype designed during the course. Students will need to show practical application of the technical, designing and making principles that they have studied throughout the course. The portfolio is worth 50% of the final grade.

Examination - there are two written examinations:

• Paper 1 is a 2 hour 30 minute examination worth 30% of the final grade. It is a mixture of short answer and extended responses to questions based on technical principles as studied throughout the course.
• Paper 2 is a 1 hour 30 minute examination worth 20% of the final grade. It is a mixture of short answer and extended responses to questions on product analysis and commercial manufacture.

The A level Product Design course gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries such as graphic design, set design, model making, furniture design and making. Other career options include engineering (civil engineering/aviation/marine/mechanical) and architecture. The course will also allow for progression onto higher eduction courses.

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