Personal Design Journeys in A Level DT Mock Exams

This week, as Sixth Form students tackle their mock examinations, 12 A-Level DT pupils have taken on their practical assessments.

Students have spent the last year working on their personal projects, and they marked the nearing end of the process with a five-hour mock exam, designed to culminate all of their research and development into a final project and finished design piece.

Throughout the course, students have learned new skills and refined techniques acquired in the lower years, making full use of the department’s extensive machinery. Truro School boasts a large DT suite with multiple machines and experienced Technicians on hand to teach. Equipment includes a full-size CNC router, vacuum bag press, and 3D digital scanners, allowing students to work at a high capacity in a real-world environment. Many students have also collaborated with external suppliers, providing briefs and obtaining quotations for their work. One student even had the opportunity to blow his own glass structures off-site.

Mr Baker, Head of DT, said, “The course offers a broad range of opportunities. We combine traditional manufacturing skills and techniques with CAD, digital tools, and technological advances, giving students a comprehensive learning experience. The course is ideal for those with an artistic or technological interest, with many current pupils looking to advance into careers in aviation, engineering, and architecture.”

Sixty per cent of the final mark is based on the personal project, where students have free rein to explore a topic of their choice. Many current and past students have focused on lighting and furniture design, while one student this year is manufacturing carbon-fibre shells using the 3D printer, vacuum bag process, and Fibonacci sequence.

The mock exam prepares students for the final three-day assessment, which will take place in the summer term.

For those who prefer a practical subject, DT offers the perfect solution. The exam is hands-on, allowing pre-prepared work to be brought into the studio alongside research and development. Rather than a traditional sit-down exam, the sessions encourage creativity, independence, and problem-solving over a longer period, making it ideal for students with lots of ideas.

Students have been working across the large workshop, learning to woodturn, steam-bend, and explore design software such as SolidWorks 3D. While pupils have access to this equipment from Year 7, Sixth Formers enjoy the freedom to choose exactly what they need for their projects, with independence encouraged and fully supported by the department.

Mr Baker is looking forward to seeing the final pieces from each student, all of which will be displayed in the annual Summer Art and DT Show at the Heseltine Gallery.

Congratulations to the students for their dedication and the impressive creativity displayed during the mock exams.

Current Year 11 pupils interested in studying DT at A-Level have been invited to a Sixth Form trial day this week and are encouraged to speak to Mr Baker and his team to learn more. For prospective Sixth Form students wishing to join Truro School, please contact our Admissions Department at [email protected].