AS/A2 TECHNOLOGY

AS/A2 Level Technology and Design at Dominican College builds upon the broad Technology and Design experiences gained by candidates who followed the CCEA GCSE Technology and Design specification.

What do you need to study Technology & Design at AS/A2 Level?

1. A level of competence, corresponding with pupil's ability, attained in class during KS 4 GCSE Technology.

2. Ability in Art, Double Award Science and Mathematics at GCSE Level.

3. A consistent pattern of attendance.

4. A commitment to project work.

5. A keen interest in the subject.

Scheme of Assessment

The examination of the subject consists of coursework components and terminal examinations.

Download the CCEA GCE Technology and Design Specification here.

AS Unit 1 - Product Design and Practice (AS 1): Materials, Components and their uses.

This unit emphasises the processes of design, manufacture and marketing of products. (Examination Paper 1 1/2 hours)

AS Unit 2 - Coursework (AS 2): Product Development.

This module draws on the knowledge and skills covered in the other AS units. The emphasis in this unit is on the analysis of an existing product or system with a view to developing either the product or system itself, or an aspect of it.

Candidates will select a topic from the published themes and, within this topic, will analyse a product or system. This should consist of a combination of written and graphical information presented on up to ten sheets of A3 size paper. These may use illustrations - photographs, annotated sketches, text and other appropriate means of communication. These will be accompanied by a model or prototype which has been developed and which represents the practical outcome of the product or system analysis

AS Unit 3 - Systems and Control (AS 3): Industrial and Commercial Practices.

This unit emphasises the process of designing systems for incorporation in products. (Examination Paper 1 1/2 hours)

A2 Unit 4 - Coursework (A2 1): In Depth Study: Designing.

Candidates will be required to identify a problem or need involving the design of a technological product or system. The topic for coursework 4 is left to the candidate but it is essential that it provides sufficient scope to meet the assessment criteria. Candidates must also ensure that the topic chosen for Unit 4 can, once developed into a coherent design proposal, be realised in Unit 5 meeting the assessment criteria.

Candidates will be required to produce a folio of design work in A3 format. The folio should not exceed 30 single sided A3 sheets. These sheets should contain a combination of graphics and text. An appropriate range of communication techniques should be used including ICT.

A2 Unit 5 - Coursework (A2 2): Making.

This module is primarily concerned with the realisation, testing and evaluation of the product or system developed in Unit 4 Designing. The knowledge and skills learned during all previous units should be used as a valuable resource to satisfy the requirements of this unit.

Candidates will be required to manufacture the product or system and produce a short folio of written and graphical work. The folio of work should not exceed ten single A3 sheets.

A2 Unit 6 - Systems and Control in Product Design (A2 3)

The examination in this unit will act as the major synoptic element in the specification. Questions will draw on the knowledge and skills acquired in the other units. (Examination Paper 2 1/2 hours).

The paper will consist of:

• Section A: One generic design question based on a theme.
• Section B: Electronic and microelectronic control systems in product design.
• Section C: Pneumatic and Mechanical control system in product design.

Candidates must answer Section A and either Section B or Section C.

Progression to Degree/Career opportunities

What does AS/A2 Technology and Design lead to?

Provides a solid foundation for study at a higher level in a range of engineering and industrial design areas of practice, or in areas of study related to engineering and design.

Degree courses in many Engineering fields including Mechanical and Electronic Engineering.

Design related courses / careers such as Product and Graphic Design.

An strong introduction to Electronic, Mechanical and Civil Engineering.