These are inspiring and rigorous and practical subjects reflecting authentic practice that give an insight into the way that the creative industries of Product Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Design Engineering function. Students will cover the following common core elements of: • Identifying requirements • Learning from existing products and practice • Implications of wider issues • Design thinking and communication • Material considerations and technical understanding • Manufacturing processes and techniques • Viability of design solutions • Health and Safety • Working with materials (practical) PRODUCT DESIGN In Design and Technology, students will learn and develop design and making skills enabling them to solve identified problems using a variety of processes ranging from the traditional to digital manufacturing technologies such as 3D Printing. Students will be required to produce their own design and make a project focused on product development and sit a technical examination at the end of Year 13. CAREERS Designers and Engineers are constantly in high demand, so you’ll enjoy fantastic graduate employment prospects. Some areas are in more demand than others, such as aerospace, electronics, nuclear and industrial. Even if you choose not to pursue a Design & Technology career, with the skills learnt and developed, you will be sought after by a variety of employers and industries. High income potential: If you pursue a graduate role, you can expect to earn an average salary of £24,000. With more experience, you can earn up to £80,000 (National Careers Service). International opportunities: As an designer/ engineer you could explore the world, working on sites and mines, helping to develop city infrastructures. With hardwork and experience, you could eventually go on to work for some of the biggest international companies. Mercedes, BP and Airbus are some of the top global graduate employers looking for talented designers and engineers. Improve the world: You will be using your skills and expertise to contribute to society. You will be solving everyday problems and challenges to help improve our way of life, whether that is through a new piece of technology or construction of a bridge. Some career paths: product design, set design, engineering (mechanical, electrical, automative, aerospace, civil, structural and more), lighting technician, architecture, fashion, graphic design, interior design, jewellery design, model making, machinist, carpenter, farrier, construction and building manager, photographer, surveyor and many more.