Design & Technology

Resistant Materials & Graphics

What does studying Product Design involve?

In the Design department at Coombe we think that Product Design is one of the most exciting and interesting courses and hope that you will come to share our enthusiasm and enjoy it as much as we do.
A product designer is charged with identifying design needs or problems. These can be broad ranging and can come from individual needs to meeting the needs of clients or corporate organisations. Alternatively you could find yourself designing for the needs of groups and societies such as developing nations where just basic survival is a struggle. Other groups might include the less able in society who need help with basic functions like making a hot drink or personal care.
Almost everything that we experience is affected by design: our environment, our homes, the products we use. Good design is at the centre of our lives. The course involves investigating people’s needs, designing and manufacturing a high quality product to provide a solution to a problem and evaluating it’s success.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?

You should be self-motivated and enjoy both the design and manufacture of objects. You will need good graphic and manufacturing skills. You should enjoy planning your own learning, problem solving, working with others, and oral communication. The use of information technology is also quite important. You will work on long-term projects that suit your own interests. Most of your investigative work takes place outside the subject area and may draw on a wide variety of other subjects and disciplines. Your work will be challenging and varied and will develop a wide range of skills, practical, social and intellectual. You must be prepared to be hard-working, creative and experimental in your outlook.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead me?

You will develop an ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills about design and production processes - making practical use of what you know, understand and can do. You will use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a range of ways. You will develop as discerning consumers, able to make informed choices and foster positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship in preparation for adult life.

Product design develops and uses transferable key skills - communication skills, numeracy, management of your own learning, collaborative working, problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability.
Finally you would develop and demonstrate management skills, e.g in projects and tasks, setting targets, reviewing and monitoring progress, time and resource management, planning and organisation.

The skills that you learn on this course, and the qualification that you achieve, will help you to qualify for an enormous range of higher education and work.

You could take a foundation course at Art College, then study for a degree, or go straight into a university course in the area of design that you would like to specialise in.
Possible Careers include:

Product Designer, Furniture Designer, Engineering, Automotive Design, Graphic Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, Architect, Marketing Consultant, Advertising, Jewellery Designer, Exhibition and Retail Designer, Image Consultant, Animator, Web and Media Designer, Illustrator and Model Maker.
Important things to consider/Information that students need to know

Students need to demonstrate commitment to the folder and practical work as the distinguishing feature of this subject is its coursework and practical nature. Good ICT skills are needed for the major coursework project. It is advisable although not essential for students to have studied GCSE Design & Technology.

Entry Requirements

Students will be expected to have 5 A* - C grades at GCSE including English Language, Mathematics and Science.

Which other subjects does it combine well with?

Product Design can be taken in combination with most subjects but particularly Science.

Similarities between the subject at GCSE and A Level

The course builds on the knowledge learnt at GCSE and students will again produce a coursework design folder and a product prototype.

Progression in the subject between AS and A2

AS Product Design is an enjoyable, life enhancing course that can be taken in Year 12 as a balance to more theoretical AS subjects. However at A2 the course increases in difficulty containing significantly more complex design, manufacturing, social and environmental issues.

Modules that you will cover and assessment.

AS
Materials, Components and Application, Learning Through Designing and Making
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 50 hrs Coursework Project
A2
Design and Manufacture
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 60 hrs Coursework Project

Exam Board.

AQA

Other useful information

The recommended text book for the AS course is AQA Design & Technology: Product Design (3D Design)

Useful websites:
www.aqa.org.uk This allows you to see past exam papers and answers!

AS / A2 Textiles Technology

What does studying Textiles Technology involve?
In the Design department at Coombe we think that Product Design is one of the most exciting and interesting courses and hope that you will come to share our enthusiasm and enjoy it as much as we do.

A Textiles designer is charged with identifying design needs or problems. These can be broad ranging and can come from individual needs to meeting the needs of clients or corporate organisations.

Almost everything that we experience is affected by design: our environment, our homes, the products we use and wear. Good design is at the centre of our lives. The coursework project provides the opportunity to research, design and manufacture a new Textiles product and evaluate it’s success.

As part of the course you will need to apply skills and knowledge from other areas such as Science, Information Technology and Art.
Fashion and Textiles is a major employer in the UK offering a highly diverse and exciting range of career opportunities. Students who choose Textiles Technology will develop their creative and practical skills.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?

This course will appeal to students who;

• Are self motivated and well organised.
• Enjoy designing and practical making of products.
• Are creative, with goods design ideas.
• Enjoy Fashion and looking at new trends
• Want to develop a range of skills – practical, social and intellectual.
• Are prepared to work hard and meet coursework deadlines.
• Enjoy investigating and researching historical fashion and art movements.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead me?

You will develop an ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills about Textiles, design and production processes - making practical use of what you know, understand and can do. You will use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a range of ways. You will develop as discerning consumers, able to make informed choices and foster positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship in preparation for adult life.

Textiles Technology develops and uses transferable key skills - communication skills, ICT and management of your own learning, collaborative working, problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability.
Finally you would develop and demonstrate management skills, e.g in projects and tasks, setting targets, reviewing and monitoring progress, time and resource management, planning and organisation.
The skills that you learn on this course, and the qualification that you achieve, will help you to qualify for an enormous range of higher education courses and work.

You could take a foundation course at Art College, then study for a degree, or go straight into a university course in the area of Fashion, Textiles or Costume Design that you would like to specialise in.
Possible Careers include:

Fashion Designer, Fabric Designer, Pattern Cutter, Costume Designer, Fashion Journalist, Stylist, Window Dresser, Buyer, Merchandiser, Jewellery Designer, Image Consultant, Illustrator and Fashion Retailer.

Important things to consider/Information that students need to know

Students need to demonstrate commitment to the folder and practical work as the distinguishing feature of this subject is its coursework and practical nature. Good ICT skills are needed for the major coursework project. It is advisable although not essential for students to have studied GCSE Design & Technology.

Entry Requirements
GCSE Textiles grade B or above.
Students will be expected to have 5 A* - C grades at GCSE including English Language and Science.

Which other subjects does it combine well with?

Textiles Technology can be taken in combination with most subjects but particularly Art, or Maths if considering Buying as a career.

Similarities between the subject at GCSE and A Level

The course builds on the knowledge learnt at GCSE and students will again produce a coursework design folder and a product prototype.

Progression in the subject between AS and A2

AS Textiles Technology is an enjoyable, life enhancing course that can be taken in Year 12 as a balance to more theoretical AS subjects. However at A2 the course increases in difficulty containing significantly more complex design and manufacturing, social and environmental issues.

Modules that you will cover and assessment.

AS
Materials, Components and Application, Learning Through Designing and Making
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 50 hrs Coursework Project
A2
Design and Manufacture
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 60 hrs Coursework Project

Exam Board.

AQA

Other useful information

The recommended text book for the AS course is Textiles at the Cutting Edge by Lesley Cresswell and for the A2 course is Fashion by Sue Jenkin Jones

Useful websites:
www.style.com This is useful to stay up to date with current trends and fashion news and designer shows.
www.aqa.org.uk This allows you to see past exam papers and answers!

AS / A2 Food Technology

What does studying Food Technology involve?

Food is a major employer in the UK - a highly competitive and challenging industry offering a wealth of employment opportunities. Students who choose Food Technology will find there is something in the course to satisfy and stimulate every appetite!
You will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the sensory properties of food, food science and the functional properties of the main food components: -proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. You will also study the effect of processing on these nutrients in foods. The food industry and the analysis of food products with reference to socio-economic, environmental and technological factors play an important role in the course. We will investigate what really goes into our food and how it is manufactured.
The coursework project provides the opportunity to research and design a new food product. In this part of the course you will need to apply skills and knowledge from other areas such as Science, Information Technology, Art and Mathematics.

How will I know if I would be successful at it?

This course will appeal to students who;

• Enjoy learning about the diversity of food products
• Want to increase their understanding of nutritional needs.
• Want to study a subject that develops skills and knowledge.
• Enjoy making and justifying decisions.
• Want to improve their analytical skills
• Enjoy being innovative and creative
• Want to appreciate the relationship between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.
• Enjoy practical work.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead me?

You will develop an ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills about food, design and production processes - making practical use of what you know, understand and can do. You will use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a range of ways. You will develop as discerning consumers, able to make informed choices and foster positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship in preparation for adult life.
Food Technology develops and uses transferable key skills - communication skills, numeracy, management of your own learning, collaborative working, problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability.
Finally you would develop and demonstrate management skills, e.g in projects and tasks, setting targets, reviewing and monitoring progress, time and resource management, planning and organisation
Students can go on to study a range of courses such as Food management, Teacher Training, Occupational and Environmental Health, Food Science and Technology, Consumer Science, Nursing, Product management and Hotel and Catering.

Important things to consider/Information that students need to know

This course demands reasonable ability at science as some of the work covers food science and nutrition. Students also need to demonstrate commitment to the practical work as the distinguishing feature of this course is its practical nature. Good ICT skills fare needed for the major coursework project. It is advisable although not essential for students to have studied GCSE Design & Technology.

Entry Requirements

Students will be expected to have 5 A* - C grades at GCSE including English Language and Science.

Which other subjects does it combine well with?

Food Technology can be taken in combination with most subjects but particularly PE, Psychology and any of the sciences.

Similarities between the subject at GCSE and A Level

The course builds on the knowledge learnt at GCSE and students will again produce a coursework design folder and a food product prototype.

Progression in the subject between AS and A2

AS Food Technology is an enjoyable, life enhancing course that can be taken in Year 12 as a balance to more theoretical AS subjects. However at A2 the course increases in difficulty containing significantly more complex science, design and manufacturing concepts.

Modules that you will cover and assessment.

AS
Materials, Components and Application, Learning Through Designing and Making
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 50 hrs Coursework Project
A2
Design and Manufacture
25% of A Level - 2 hr Written Paper
25% of A Level - 60 hrs Coursework Project

Exam Board.

AQA

Other useful information

The recommended text book for the AS course is Food & Nutrition by Anita Tull – Oxford and for the A2 course The Science and Technology of Foods by R K Proudlove – Forbes Publications

Useful websites:
www.nutrition.org.uk This covers much of the specification for the course and is especially good for food science.
www.aqa.org.uk This allows you to see past exam papers and answers!