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Design and Technology - A Level

AQA Design and Technology (Systems and Control) is a specialised part of the DT syllabus focusing on topics suited to those students wishing to follow a degree course in Engineering. It is probably better titled ‘Engineering Technology’.

Systems and Control is the obvious choice for those students wishing to be hands on Engineers. It has a good balance of theory and practical work, with students being encouraged to learn through practical activities. The project work encourages the students to look at problems they have encountered and solve them using the skills that they have learnt. The subject covers Electronics, basic programming, mechanics, pneumatics, material science and processes, sustainable energy, designing and design issues such as the environment.

The specification encourages students to take a broad view of engineering through design and technology. Developed to increase their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a range of investigative, research, analytical, modelling, designing and making skills that can be applied when solving problems. The emphasis of the course is on the application of knowledge. It is intended that students will have the opportunity to learn through mainly practical activities. To find out more about the course specification visit the AQA website (http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/technology).

How will I be assessed?

One exam and a piece of practical coursework in the AS year and one exam and a piece of practical coursework in the A2 year.

AS (AQA 1556)
Unit 1 SYST1: Materials, Components and Application
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
2 Hour written paper
Available in June only

Candidates sit an examination looking at all the theory work that they have covered throughout their AS studies. The examination is aimed at applying the knowledge learnt to everyday practical situation.

The paper consists of three sections:

Section 1 contains compulsory limited response questions.
Section 2 offers a choice of one question from two.
Section 3 contains one design based question.

Unit 2 SYST2: Learning through design and making
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
Coursework approx 50 hours
Assessment in June only

A centre assessed piece of work, where the candidate must design, develop and prototype a product that will solve a problem they have researched. The final project written work is produced electronically and printed as an A4 document.

A2 (AQA 2556)
Unit 3 SYST3: Design and Manufacture
25% of A Level
2 Hour written paper
Available in June only

Based primarily on Design and Manufacture and consisting of two sections. Includes a synoptic assessment.

Unit 4 SYST4: Designing and Making practice
25% of A level
Coursework approx 60 hours
Assessment in June only

A centre assessed piece of work, where the candidate must design, develop and prototype a product that will solve a problem they have researched. The work is produced electronically with a paper based folio of design work.

Do I need to have studied Design and Technology (Systems and Control) before?

You do not need to have studied the subject at GCSE Level; however, it would be advantageous. The key is to have a genuine interest in engineering and practical work and probably to study Physics and Maths alongside.

Due to the requirement for specialist equipment and health and safety issues the numbers of students has to be limited. An entry criteria may adopted for those students interested. Priority will be given to those students who have studied Design and Technology (Systems and Control) at GCSE through any examination board gaining a grade A or above or have studied either Electronic Products or Resistant Materials at GCSE through any examination board gaining a grade A or above.

Who will teach me?

John Southworth (Principal). John has a BSc(Hons)Eng from Leicester University and an MSc in Electronics and Guided Weapons from Cranfield University. John has over 10 years experience in teaching this subject to the highest level.

What subjects complement Design and Technology (Systems and Control)?

Best-fit subjects include Mathematics and Physics. That said in the past many non-scientist students have taken up the subject, although this is unusual.

What careers can Design and Technology (Systems and Control) lead to?