KS5 Product Design
For Design and Technology, we will achieve our curriculum vision by ensuring: That all UTC Leeds students are work-ready, developing a range of technical and employability skills that will make them sought after in the region.
Product Design nurtures creativity, technical design thinking, and problem-solving—skills in demand across design, engineering, manufacturing, and innovation industries.
Our curriculum is built around design principles, material science, and real-world project work. Students move from basic technical understanding to mastering design development and evaluation.
This subject prepares students for both university and design-based careers, with a strong portfolio of practical and digital skills.
Exam board: AQA
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.
They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice.
Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
Year 12
Students will develop skills and understanding through project work. They will be able to take creative risks and produce mock ups and prototypes. They will lead their own practical learning having the opportunity to develop the skills that interest them.
Technical Principles will be reinforced through a variety of making.
Year 13
All of the course is assessed in Year 13.
- Paper 1 Technical Principles
- 30% of A Level
- Paper 2 Designing and Making Principles
- 20% of A Level
- NEA a substantial Design and Make activity
- 50% of A Level
Product Design encourages innovation, creativity, and problem-solving through practical application. Students develop skills in design thinking, material science, and technical drawing—ideal for design, engineering, and manufacturing careers.
Key Skills Developed:
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Creative problem-solving and prototyping
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CAD/CAM design and technical drawing
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Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes
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Project management and critical evaluation
Career Opportunities:
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Industrial and Product Design
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Architecture and Interior Design
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Mechanical and Design Engineering
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UX/UI Design and Technology Innovation
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Marketing, Branding, and Manufacturing