A Level Design & Technology Tutors

Why study A Level Design & Technology?

A Level Design & Technology refers to more than one specific A Level. Generally speaking, it involves specialising in either textiles or resistant materials. although some colleges may offer further design and technology A Levels. All Design & Technology A Levels are highly practical and offer an excellent insight into the process of designing and bringing to life your own creations. Design & Technology A Levels also teach students about key design principles, 3D computer design programs, materials and the safe use of machinery.

What is covered in A Level Design & Technology: Fashion and Textiles?

A Level Design & Technology: Fashion and Textiles is ideal for those who are already studying textiles at GCSE and have a flair and passion for clothing design and production. The A Level integrates aspects of art, design and clothing manufacture and also includes studying contemporary fashion and artists and using a range of textiles and technical processes.

Generally speaking, the final grade is made up of 50% from a practical design project and 50% from written examinations. Both of these are assessed at the end of Year 2.

What is covered in A Level Design and Technology: Product Design?

Depending on the exam board, this A Level may be named ‘Product Design’ or ‘Resistant Materials’. Essentially, it is the natural progression from a GCSE in resistant materials or construction. Again, it is a largely practical course which includes a study of materials in addition to production and design processes. Students will apply creative thinking and problem solving in order to design and manufacture their own products. Students will also design products with the help of computer programs and learn how to use machinery.

Generally speaking, 50% of the final grade is via the assessment of a design and build project. A written examination on design principles will typically make up the other 50% of the final grade.

What GCSEs do I need for A Level Design & Technology?

GCSE requirements may differ but typically students looking to study for an A Level in design and technology will need a Grade 5 and above in GCSE Mathematics, Grade 4 and above in GCSE English, Grade 5 or above in Science and Grade 5 or above in a relevant Design & Technology GCSE (i.e. textiles or resistant materials). The textiles A Level may have lower requirements for maths and science than the product design A Level, but may require entrants to gain a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Art & Design.

Where can I use A Level Design & Technology?

Both types of Design and Technology A Levels offer transferable and practical skills, both for life and for future career prospects. Anyone looking to enter the world of fashion will benefit from the textiles A Level whilst the Resistant Materials/Product Design A Level is a great foundation in product design, manufacturing, engineering, construction and even architecture.

After completing an A Level in Design & Technology, many students progress to complete practical degrees such as BA Fashion, BA Textiles, BSc Product Design, BEng Engineering, BSc Design Technology and BA Construction Management.

Is A Level Design & Technology right for me?

Anyone enjoying a GCSE in a design technology subject will ultimately enjoy the enriched experience of the A Level. It is an ideal choice for those who enjoy learning in a practical setting and students wishing to develop their creative thinking and problem solving abilities whilst gaining technical life skills.

Those studying an A Level in Design & Technology may benefit from the private tuition service offered by The Profs. All of our tutors have expert knowledge in their subject areas and can help you to develop a deeper understanding of the subject and achieve the grade your deserve.