Qualification: A Level 3D Design (AQA)
Course Tutor: Mr S Elliott
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including a grade 5 in GCSE Product Design, Fashion & Textiles or Art & Design.
Course description
3D Design is a practical course exploring the world of design including architecture, product design, spatial design and more. You will spend time looking at many different aspects of design through a range of themes and projects.
Observational drawings are a fundamental part of the course and this will need to be evident in sketchbooks and/or design sheets. You will also learn to use a wide range of CAD/CAM including both 2D & 3D drawing programmes, modelling and CAM techniques such as 3D rapid prototyping. All sketchbook work and final outcome(s) will help build a quality body of work for your portfolio.
During the course you will be handling a wide range of media and learning to communicate your ideas. You will develop construction techniques through a range of workshops and experimentation in projects. You will learn how to use a variety of appropriate tools and equipment safely and understand different working methods.
Critical understanding of a brief will need to be demonstrated and explored in each project. You will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of intended audience or purpose for your chosen area in 3D design and develop an appreciation of the relationship of form and function.
Students are encouraged to complete tasks at home as well as in lessons. DT A level students are encouraged to use the DT area including workshops and a computer room to the best of their ability during any non-contact hours.
This is a two year A level course.
Coursework
Component 1 (60%) – You will produce a coursework portfolio based on workshops, a mock project with a final outcome(s) and a sustained project (this can be in your chosen area of focus).
An essay of 3,000 words will accompany this portfolio and any final piece(s).
Examination
Component 2 (40%) – You will produce a portfolio and final piece based on an externally set topic. You will have a period of time through the spring term to research and develop your ideas. This component terminates in a 15 hours of supervised time, usually across three school days.
Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed and externally moderated.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
This qualification can be used for a huge range of design based university courses and careers, i.e. Architecture, Fashion/Textile Design, Graphic Design, Product Design and Theatre Design to name just a few. When paired with Maths and Physics this is a suitable qualification for entry onto engineering degrees.
This course provides many transferrable skills which can be used in a range of jobs and can be the first steps on a rewarding and exciting career path.
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the Design Technology curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
