Resistant Materials

 

This qualification emphasises two key factors — creativity and sustainability, it builds upon the skills developed at GCSE. This new qualification structure allows students to develop a range of skills and outcomes at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) which demonstrate their creativity and apply these to a design and make project at A2. You will look at how all modern designers have to consider sustainable issues when designing new products. 

 

What will I study?

 

This qualification emphasises two key factors — creativity and sustainability, it builds upon the skills developed at GCSE.

 

This new qualification structure allows students to develop a range of skills and outcomes at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) which demonstrate their creativity and apply these to a design and make project at A2.

 

You will look at how all modern designers have to consider sustainable issues when designing new products. The thinking that underpins the course is that new products provide solutions rather than add to the existing problems of extractions and use of natural resources, pollution from manufacturing and disposal of large amounts of waste products.

 

Good design is vital to our world and economy, it is important, therefore, that we enthuse future designers with a passion for designing their futures.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

First Year (AS)

Unit 1 - Creative Skills

In this unit students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. Students will produce one portfolio with three distinct sections which will demonstrate their creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making product(s). This unit has been designed to be as flexible as possible, offering students a wide range of valid approaches in producing their portfolio of creative skills. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible and there are no barriers to choices of product investigation, product design or product manufacture, as long as the work submitted by students targets assessment criteria effectively and at the correct level of response for their abilities.

 

Unit 2 – Resistant Materials in Practice

In this unit students will develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of Design and Technology. It is important for students, as designers, to learn about materials and processes so that they can develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured. Students will also learn about industrial and commercial practices, and the importance of quality checks and the health and safety issues that have to be considered at all times. The pupils will sit a one hour & thirty minutes paper which will be a question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type questions, all of which are compulsory.

 

Second Year (A2)

Unit 3 – Designing for the Future

In this unit students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. The modern designer must have a good working knowledge of the use of ICT and systems & control technology in the design and manufacture of products. They must also be aware of the important contributions of designers from the past which may provide inspiration for future design. It is increasingly important that students develop an awareness of the impact of design and technological activities on the environment. Sustainable product design is a key feature of modern design practices. The pupils will sit a two hour paper which will be a question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type questions, all of which are compulsory.

 

Unit 4 – Commercial Design

In this unit students are given the opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired and developed throughout this course of study, to design and make a product of their choice. In order to reach high attainment levels, students must adopt a commercial design approach to their work, reflecting how a professional designer might deal with a design problem and its resolution. The choice of design problem should have a real commercial use, in that it should be useful to a wider range of users beyond an individual, unless it has been specifically commissioned as a ‘oneoff’. The design problem should provide opportunities for a client or user-group to have input into decision making at various stages of the design and make process. A key feature of this unit is that students consider issues related to sustainability and the impact their product may have on the environment.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 - Grade C in DT

Route 2 - Grade C in DT

Route 3 - Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

A Level Resistant Materials provides the foundation for students to go on to study engineering, design or related courses in higher education. It is also suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers in areas related to Resistant Materials, who may go into full time employment.

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