Year 12 – 13

Product Design

Key Stage: KS5

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification Gained: A Level Product Design

Assessment Breakdown: 

The AQA A Level Product Design course is assessed through two written examinations and one Non-Examined Assessment (NEA):

  • Paper 1: Technical Principles (30%) – A 2½-hour written exam assessing knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and scientific applications.
  • Paper 2: Designing and Making Principles (20%) – A 1½-hour exam exploring user needs, design influences, sustainability, and problem-solving.
  • Non-Examined Assessment (50%) – A design-and-make project where students identify and solve a real-world problem, applying design principles, testing prototypes, and presenting their final product.

Entry Requirements: Students must have achieved eight or more GCSEs at grades 9–4, including a minimum Grade 6 in GCSE Design and Technology (or equivalent).

Design and Technology at Hammersmith Academy inspires students to become innovative, confident, and responsible designers who can shape the world around them. Through a dynamic and progressively challenging curriculum, students develop creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking skills — enabling them to solve real-world problems and succeed in fields such as design, engineering, architecture, and other innovation-led industries.

The course encourages learners to embrace challenge, learn from setbacks, and continually refine their ideas with perseverance, curiosity, and self-belief. Whether progressing to higher education or employment, students leave as thoughtful, capable individuals who recognise the impact of design on society and their role in shaping its future.

Design and Technology at Hammersmith Academy develops innovative, confident and responsible learners who are equipped to solve real-world problems through creativity, technical skill and critical thinking. The A Level Product Design curriculum is carefully structured to build both knowledge and capability over time, empowering students to understand how design influences everyday life and industry.

Students begin by mastering core principles of materials, tools, and processes, ensuring a strong technical foundation. Through hands-on projects, they develop precision, sustainability awareness, and the ability to apply scientific and mathematical concepts in design.

As the course progresses, students engage in increasingly independent and ambitious design challenges. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) plays a central role, requiring students to identify a real-world design problem and produce an innovative, high-quality solution. This project tests creativity, independence, and technical mastery — culminating in the production of professional-standard prototypes and supporting portfolios.

The written examinations complement this practical work by assessing theoretical understanding of design principles, manufacturing, and innovation. Students develop the ability to evaluate social, ethical and environmental factors influencing modern design, learning to think critically about the products and systems that shape our world.

By the end of the course, learners have mastered a blend of analytical, technical, and creative skills, preparing them for further study in design, engineering or architecture — and for the dynamic challenges of the modern workplace.

Year-by-Year Curriculum

Year 12

Students focus on developing technical knowledge, design theory and hands-on workshop skills.

Modules include:

  • Introduction to A Level Skills / Specialist Technical Principles – Timber & Paper (Module 1)
  • Mini NEA Project & Specialist Technical Principles – Wood & Metals (Module 2)
  • Mini NEA Project & Specialist Technical Principles – Metals (Module 3)
  • Paper Processes & Polymers & Design Opportunities (Module 4)
  • Polymers & User Needs (Module 5)
  • Specialist Materials & Design Specification (Module 6)

Lessons blend theory with experimentation, helping students develop precision, confidence and creative independence.

Year 13

Students apply their technical understanding and creative skills to the NEA project, exploring real-world design problems.

Modules include:

  • Introduction to Year 13 & Design Methods, NEA Section C – Initial Ideas (Module 1)
  • Design Influences / Design Movement Timeline, NEA Section C (Module 2)
  • Designers and Their Work, NEA Section C (Module 3)
  • Socio-Economic Influences and Developments in Technology, NEA Section D (Module 4)
  • Social Considerations, NEA Section D (Module 5)
  • Product Life Cycle, NEA Section D, Revision (Module 6)

This year strengthens students’ ability to manage large-scale projects and reflect critically on design decisions and user needs.

Skills Gained

  • Advanced workshop and prototyping skills
  • Technical drawing and visual communication
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and digital modelling
  • Research and analysis of user needs
  • Problem-solving and project management
  • Evaluation and iterative design thinking

These skills provide a foundation for design, engineering and creative careers, as well as transferable abilities such as collaboration, adaptability and strategic thinking.

Partnerships & Enrichment

Students take part in a range of experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom, including:

  • Hammersmith Academy’s STEM Fair
  • Industrial Workshops

These opportunities expose learners to professional environments, enhance industry awareness and inspire excellence in design.

Potential Careers & Progression

A Level Product Design offers clear progression into:

Architecture and Construction | Engineering and Industrial Design | Graphic and Product Design | Project Management and Creative Industries | Set and Interior Design

Students often continue their studies at university level or through design apprenticeships, pursuing careers that demand creativity, innovation and technical fluency.