3D Design in Sixth Form at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form near Cambridge, in Ely.

`Kings Ely sixth form`

Academic

A-Level 3D Design

Students apply knowledge from mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in desgn.

A Product Design student at King's Ely, a Private Boarding and Day Sixth Form School near Cambridge.

"At the heart of our practice lies Einstein’s belief that “creativity is intelligence having fun”. We embrace this playful ingenuity in the workshop, combining artistic
vision with rigorous engineering and material mastery. Students build their understanding of how functional and spatial design connects with the wider world. Design at King’s has the power to change how we build, how we interact, and how we inhabit our world."

Patrick Carberry, Head of 3D Design

The development of a critical mind through enquiry and problem solving, exploration, creation and evaluation of iterative designs are key skills developed in the course.

Jame's Testimonial about A-Level 3D Design at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.

Green Power Poster at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.

At King’s Ely, we provide an immersive, studio-based environment where traditional workshop mastery meets cutting-edge digital fabrication. Our pupils benefit from dedicated workshop spaces equipped for traditional wood and metal machining, alongside modern CAD/CAM suites, laser cutting, 3D printing, and microcontroller electronics. We nurture a culture where students take creative risks and view iterative failure as essential data

Find out more at one of our open days!

Prerequisite
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE 3D Design or Engineering, a minimum grade 6 in GCSE Maths as 40% of the course has mathematical content and a minimum grade 5 in GCSE English as 50% of the A Level are written answers and coursework is a major part of the course.

Topic Overview
During the two year course students will study a wide range of topics and will enable students to: Apply iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values. Acquire subject knowledge in Design and Technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture. Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world. Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners. Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of clients/end users. Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use. Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype. Be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes. Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors. Apply knowledge from mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in design. This content reflects the importance of Design and Technology as a pivotal STEM subject. 15% of the exam assessment will include the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge. Homework and Independent Study The recommended time you should spend on your homework is around 6 hours per week. Much of this time will be taken up with the production of your design portfolio, but there will be written assignments as well. The facilities of the Department can be used outside normal timetabled lessons and you will be encouraged to spend some of your study time in the Department.

Topic Overview

During the two year course students will study a wide range of topics and will enable students to:

Apply iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.
Acquire subject knowledge in Design and Technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.
Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world.
Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners.
Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of clients/end users.
Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.
Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype.
Be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes.
Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors.
Apply knowledge from mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in design.

This content reflects the importance of Design and Technology as a pivotal STEM subject. 15% of the exam assessment will include the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge.

Homework and Independent Study

The recommended time you should spend on your homework is around 6 hours per week.

Much of this time will be taken up with the production of your design portfolio, but there will be written assignments as well.

The facilities of the Department can be used outside normal timetabled lessons and you will be encouraged to spend some of your study time in the Department.

Assessment
Principles of Design and Technology 2 hour 30 minutes written exam 50% Independent Design and Make Project Non-Examined assessment consisting of a substantial design, make and evaluate project consisting of a portfolio and working product 50% 3D DESIGN A LEVEL EXAM SPECIFICATION

Assessment

Principles of Design and Technology

2 hour 30 minutes written exam
50%

Independent Design and Make Project

Non-Examined assessment consisting of a substantial design, make and evaluate project consisting of a portfolio and working product
50%

3D DESIGN A LEVEL EXAM SPECIFICATION

Read about Patrick's journey from Year 9 at King's Ely to studying Automotive Engineering with year in industry at Loughborough University

Patrick, a King's Ely student, a Private Boarding and Day Sixth Form School near Cambridge.

Patrick's KING'S ELY STORY

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`Meet the head of design & technology`

Patrick Carberry

Patrick Carberry, Head of Design and Technology at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form near Cambridge, in Ely.

EMAIL PATRICK CARBERRY

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Two King's Ely Scholars Playing Hoop Trundle Outside Ely Cathedral, King's Ely is a Private Day and Boarding School, for Children aged 2-18 Years Old, near Cambridge, in Ely.

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