• Units
• Short Courses
• Assessment objectives

Units

Please find below the units which are available for this qualification.

Unit A551: Developing and Applying Design Skills

Unit description	Assessment incl. duration	Weighting
Developing and writing a design brief Drawing up a specification Generating design proposals.	Internally assessed Controlled assessment 20 hours 90 marks	30% full course 60% short course

Unit A552: Designing and Making Innovation Challenge

Unit description	Assessment incl. duration	Weighting
'Design and Making' practical examination that encourages flair, innovation and working with a range of modelling materials.	Externally assessed 6 hours, comprising two 3 hour sessions, plus 30 minutes of reflection time 60 marks	20% full course 40% short course

Unit A553: Making, Testing and Marketing Products

Unit description	Assessment incl. duration	Weighting
Prototype manufacture Testing, evaluating and marketing.	Internally assessed Controlled assessment 20 hours 90 marks	30% full course

Unit A554: Designing Influences

Unit description	Assessment incl. duration	Weighting
Examination testing knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence designing, iconic products, trendsetters, design eras and design movements.	Externally assessed Written examination 1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks	20% full course

Short Courses

We also offer a Short Course in GCSE Design and Technology: Product Design, equivalent to half a GCSE. This offers several advantages:

• There are only two units to complete
• Learners who are interested in a particular subject, but don't have time to study a full course, have more learning options
• Learners can study a wider range of subjects
• Timetabling for shorter courses can be easier for your centre
• More able students can complement their studies by taking additional short courses
• Short courses can be spread over one or two years.

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Assessment objectives

The assessment objectives are designed to reflect the non-statutory guidelines for Design and Technology.

Learners are expected to demonstrate the following in the context of the content described:

AO1

Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding in design and technology, including its wider effects.

AO2

Apply knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of contexts and in designing and making products.

AO3

Analyse and evaluate products, including their design and production.

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