EuraStudy
UKSubject guide
A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.
Overview
A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
Papers and boards, woods, metals, polymers and composites, with testing to justify selection.
Physical and mechanical properties, and smart, modern, composite and biodegradable materials.
Treating and modifying polymers, woods and metals through alloying, seasoning and additives to improve properties.
Manufacturing processes, adhesives and fixings, jigs and fixtures, and surface finishing.
Scales of production, efficient use of materials, computer systems and sub-assembly.
CAD, CAM, virtual modelling, rapid prototyping, electronic data interchange, and production planning and control.
Product development and improvement, and inclusive design.
Safe working practices in manufacture and safety in products and services.
Patents, trademarks, copyright and registered designs.
Designing for manufacture, repair, disassembly and end-of-life disposal.
The viability of proposals, and enterprise, marketing and financial considerations.
Sketching, drawing techniques, modelling and presentation methods.
The iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating in cycles.
Design influences, styles and movements, and key designers and their work.
Socio-economic influences, technological developments, ethical issues and the product life cycle.
Testing and evaluating commercial products, and using third-party feedback.
Selecting tools and processes, working to precision and tolerance, and planning with quality assurance and control.
Environmental issues, resource and energy conservation, and BSI and ISO standards.
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
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Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
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