A-level
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:
PRODUCT DESIGN
7552/1
Paper 1 Technical Principles
Mark scheme
June 2022
Version: 1.0 Final
226A7552/1/MS*
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JU
...
A-level
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:
PRODUCT DESIGN
7552/1
Paper 1 Technical Principles
Mark scheme
June 2022
Version: 1.0 Final
226A7552/1/MS*
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
2
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk
Copyright information
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own
internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third
party even for internal use within the centre.
Copyright © 2022 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
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Level of response marking instructions
Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
Step 1 Determine a level
Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.
When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
Step 2 Determine a mark
Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
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Glossary for maths
If a student uses a method which is not explicitly covered by the mark scheme the same principles of
marking should be applied. Credit should be given to any valid methods. Examiners should seek advice
from their senior examiner if in any doubt.
[a, b] Accept values between a and b inclusive.
For π Accept values in the range [3.14, 3.142]
Their Accept an answer from the candidate if it has been inaccurately calculated
but is subsequently used in a further stage of the question.
Questions which do not ask students to show working
As a general principle, a correct response is awarded full marks.
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
5
Qu Part Marking Guidance Total
marks AO
01 State three reasons why Precious Metal Clay (PMC) may be used in
the manufacture of a decorative pendant for a necklace.
One mark per relevant point.
Indicative content
PMC:
• is malleable and easy to mould and shape into an appropriate
form
• has an attractive aesthetic appearance
• can be polished once fired
• is less expensive than using a traditional metal such as gold and
silver
• it is able to be hallmarked to provide authenticity
• will set to become hard and durable when fired.
This list is not exhaustive. Accept any other valid responses.
3 marks AO4 1a
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
6
Qu Part Marking Guidance Total
marks AO
02 A purple component is to be produced using a pigmented resin.
Use the data to calculate the maximum number of these
components that could be produced.
You may assume unlimited supplies of clear resin and magenta
pigment.
Cyan pigment available 10 ml
Single component volume 5965 mm3
Clear Resin Cyan
Pigment
Magenta
Pigment
Ratios for
Purple Resin 80 4 1
Establishing the volume
of either the resin or
pigment
= 2.5 ml Magenta or
= 200 ml Clear resin
1
mark
(M1)
Calculating the total
volume
200 ml + 10 ml + 2.5 ml
= 212.5 ml
1
mark
(A1)
Calculating the volume of
one component
5965 mm3
= 5.965 cm3
= 5.965 ml
1
mark
(M1)
Calculating the total
number of components
that could be produced
(their 212.5)
(their 5.965)
= 35.6
= 35 components or
(their answer rounded
down) components or
212.5 ml = 212 500 mm3
(their 212 500)
5965
= (their 35.62)
= (their answer rounded
down) components
1
mark
(A1)
Components Produced
Where no working has
been shown but final
answer is accurate
= 35 components 4
marks
4 marks AO4 1c
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
7
Qu Part Marking Guidance Total
marks AO
03 Figure 1 shows a low carbon steel shopping basket with a chrome
plated finish.
Figure 1
Analyse and evaluate the suitability of the material and finish used
for the shopping basket.
Marks Description
5–6
marks
The response clearly shows detailed analysis and
evaluation of how the properties of the material and the
chosen finish affect the function and suitability of use of
the shopping basket.
3–4
marks
The response shows good evaluation and analysis of
the suitability of the chosen material and chosen finish
of the shopping basket with appropriate reference to its
intended function.
1–2
marks
Basic evaluation of the suitability of the chosen material
and chosen finish of the shopping basket, but the
response tends to be descriptive rather than evaluative
or focuses only on either the material or finish.
0 marks No response or nothing worthy of credit.
Indicative content
Low Carbon Steel:
• can be easily drawn into the thin round wire needed to construct
the shopping basket
• a malleable material that allows for component parts to be cold
formed into shape without fracture
• can be easily joined by spot welding
• a lightweight material that enables the user to carry the basket
comfortably
• a tough material that will withstand the wear and tear of daily use
• a stiff material that allows the basket to maintain its formed shape
and withstand the weight of heavy shopping.
Chrome Plated finish:
• the electroplating process ensures an even coating of the intricate
structure of the shopping basket
• provides a corrosion resistant finish which protects the steel frame
while maintaining the aesthetics of the basket
6 marks AO3 2a
AO3 2b
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
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• provides a hard and durable finish that will withstand scratching
when the baskets are stacked for storage
• the finish allows the baskets to be cleaned in order to remain
hygienic for the carrying of loose food products
• the plating process can prevent the repair of the baskets if a weld
should fail.
This list is not exhaustive. Accept any other valid responses.
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN – 7552/1 – JUNE 2022
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Qu Part Marking Guidance Total
marks AO
04 Explain how rapid prototyping has impacted on traditional
manufacture.
Marks Description
7–9
marks
A detailed and thorough understanding of how rapid
prototyping has impacted on traditional manufacture.
The response clearly identifies the impact that rapid
prototyping has had on manufacture.
4–6
marks
The response demonstrates a good understanding of
how rapid prototyping has impacted on traditional
manufacture. Some relevant points relating to the
impact on traditional manufacture are provided.
1–3
marks
The response offers a basic understanding of the
benefits of rapid prototyping with limited reference to the
impact on traditional manufacture.
0 marks No response or nothing worthy of credit.
Indicative Content
• Rapid prototyping has allowed companies the ability to develop
and produce fully functioning prototypes without a huge financial
investment in the manufacture of moulds or ancillary components.
• It has allowed for the design and manufacture of complex
components that would have been prohibitive to manufacture
traditionally.
• Rapid prototyping has removed the need for highly skilled
manufacturers and tool makers as complex designs can be easily
achieved without tooling.
• Traditional labour intensive manufacturing processes have b
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