2 courses are currently on offer at our shared 6th form, the Moorlands Sixth Form College.
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design (3-D Design)
This course is designed to encourage students to:
- Develop a broad view of design and technology
- Develop their capacity to design and make products
- Appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.
At AS level students develop an understanding of a broad range of materials, with emphasis on the life cycle of products, manufacture and final disposal. This course also considers the broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and consumer safety.
We teach the course through a series of minor projects which students use to create a portfolio for assessment. They also complete an exam which allows them to show their general understanding of design issues as well as their knowledge of materials and processes.
At A2 students complete a single major project of their own choosing which they see through to the production of a high quality final product. The A2 exam uses essay style questioning to allow students to show the depth of their understanding on a range of design issues.
The AS and A2 courses are 50% coursework and 50% exam.
A level Art and design: Textiles
A level textiles is a highly creatve course. The main emphasis of this course is the development of design skills working in textiles in a range of materials, including both traditional and non-traditional techniques. Students will have an opportunity to explore decorative and wearable design and ultimately specialise in a certain way of working. As part of the design process students are carefully guided and supported through a range of structured teaching experiences which include drawing, photography, designing, experimentation and manipulation of materials and techniques. Personal responses are positively encouraged and each year results in a rich, varied and ever changing repertoire of work.
Course Content
AS Level - First Year of course: introduction to a variety of experiences, media, processes and techniques. 2 Units
Unit 1: Portfolio; a collection of coursework carried out during the AS course worth 80 marks. Weighting 50% of total AS marks/25% of total A Level marks.
Unit 2: Externally set assignment (exam). Five exciting starting points set by the Examination Board. This is worth 80 marks and includes 5 hours supervised exam time. Weighting 50% of total AS marks/25% of the total A Level marks.
A2 Level - Second Year of course: a greater depth of study building on the AS experience. 2 Units
Unit 3: A personal investigation developing a theme, idea or issue of your choice supported by 1000 to 3000 words. This coursework is worth 80 marks. Weighting 25% of total A Level marks.
Unit 4: Externally set assignment (exam). 8 exciting starting points set by the Examination Board. This is worth 80 marks and includes 15 hours supervised exam time.
