Why study Product Design?

This course is ideally suited to anyone who wants to pursue a career in the world of design. Whether your interests lie in fashion, car design or anything in between, if you have some creative flair and the ability to work with materials to develop real products or prototypes then this is the course for you.

What will I study over the two years?

During the two-year course you will study a range of materials. You will develop a technical understanding of how products function and how they are made. You will learn about wider design principles and the effect of design on users and the world we live in. You will identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test your own prototypes. You will develop a critical mind through enquiry and problem solving, exploration, creation and evaluation of iterative designs. We encourage freedom in approaches towards designing and making so as not to limit the possibilities of project work or the materials and processes being used. You can make whatever you like, and that will form half of your assessment.

What makes a good Product Design student?

A good student will be a hands-on and innovative type of person. You will have to be good at working with tools and machines safely in the workshops and you will need some creativity so you can produce interesting designs for your own products.

Where could Product Design take me?

You could go on to study product design, fashion, engineering or architecture at university and this would lead you into a whole range of design related careers. There are too many possibilities to list, just think of all the things in the world today which were designed and made by someone… and all the things of the future which have yet to be invented by the students of today.

What are the entrance requirements?

• Grade 4 or above in D&T or Level 2 Pass or higher
• 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
• Maths and English Language Grade 4 or above
• Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.0 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)

If you have any questions about our Product Design A Level please email Mr Maynard cmaynard@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk, who would be very happy to answer any questions.