A-level Product Design

2

I'm planning on taking A-level Product Design and I wanted some insight from students who were already taking it/took it to help me find out more about the workload and what it was like

(I'm taking it as a fourth subject so if anyone is also taking it as a fourth that would be best as it would be most reflective):

- Is it heavy/difficult as a (fourth) subject - how did you personally find it?
- What kind of homework is set and how long does/did it take you?
- What equipment/computer capabilities are required?

Thanks

Reply 1

AnnoyinHuman

Study Forum Helper

15

Original post

by Aligal

I'm planning on taking A-level Product Design and I wanted some insight from students who were already taking it/took it to help me find out more about the workload and what it was like
(I'm taking it as a fourth subject so if anyone is also taking it as a fourth that would be best as it would be most reflective):
- Is it heavy/difficult as a (fourth) subject - how did you personally find it?
- What kind of homework is set and how long does/did it take you?
- What equipment/computer capabilities are required?
Thanks

Hiya, I am currently in Y13 doing Product Design, Biology and Geography. I started with 4 (Chemistry) but dropped it after a term

1.

As a fourth, it was basically impossible, sorry. The coursework makes up 50% of the result, and that's just so time consuming for me I would not be able to do it without the extra frees my 3 alevels give me. BUT coursework doesn't usually start for a while, and others had less demanding projects than mine, so don't use this to discourage starting with it and seeing how it goes

2.

We don't get lots of homework, it's mostly reading around the subject and exam technique already. It's quite a hard one to teach as the spec isn't very clear, but generally needs less time on the exam stuff than the others for most of the 2 years, before a massive push from about now iin Y13

3.

The best thing about the equipment/skills required is that you can completely tailor your NEA to whatever you feel most comfortable in; the product and situation you do your coursework for is completely up to you!

Overall, I love my DT - I have a small class and love the practical stuff and just is my fun subject. It does require lots of classroom work, less homework though, and if you are even considering it, I'd recommend starting with it and seeing how it/your workload goes. I was in a similar point to you and was gonna drop DT if I didn't have the time, but ended up disliking chemistry so dropping that instead.

Any other questions, just ask - it's nice to find another Product Design person!

Reply 2

Aligal

OP

2

Original post

by AnnoyinHuman

Hiya, I am currently in Y13 doing Product Design, Biology and Geography. I started with 4 (Chemistry) but dropped it after a term

1.

As a fourth, it was basically impossible, sorry. The coursework makes up 50% of the result, and that's just so time consuming for me I would not be able to do it without the extra frees my 3 alevels give me. BUT coursework doesn't usually start for a while, and others had less demanding projects than mine, so don't use this to discourage starting with it and seeing how it goes

2.

We don't get lots of homework, it's mostly reading around the subject and exam technique already. It's quite a hard one to teach as the spec isn't very clear, but generally needs less time on the exam stuff than the others for most of the 2 years, before a massive push from about now iin Y13

3.

The best thing about the equipment/skills required is that you can completely tailor your NEA to whatever you feel most comfortable in; the product and situation you do your coursework for is completely up to you!

Overall, I love my DT - I have a small class and love the practical stuff and just is my fun subject. It does require lots of classroom work, less homework though, and if you are even considering it, I'd recommend starting with it and seeing how it/your workload goes. I was in a similar point to you and was gonna drop DT if I didn't have the time, but ended up disliking chemistry so dropping that instead.
Any other questions, just ask - it's nice to find another Product Design person!

Very helpful, thanks!

A-level Product Design

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