1. AS exam tips Revision Guide

2. AQA tips
Start with section C, 40 mark section, as it is generally the most time consuming and you will be fresh and ready for the question. Advised by lead examiner.
In some questions getting the first answer wrong means you can lose many marks on the following questions, read questions carefully.
Do not use the word ‘cheap’, unless you back it up with a comparison in price to another material. use inexpensive instead if possible.
There will be Health and Safety questions – consider PPE, precautions, and how to dispose of materials.
Always make a point, about the material, and then explain the property.
On the design question, in section C, you must keep the original idea and modify it.

3. AQA tips
You must be able to write a step by step for each manufacturing process, i.e. injection moulding / press forming/ piercing and blanking. See the rotational moulding question for an example of a full mark answer.
In sections where they ask you to use diagrams they suggest that you use diagrams with the text, as more marks are generally given because candidates can draw their ideas better than explaining them using text. But ensure you use the lines to explain your diagram too.
Metals are generally candidates weakest area across the country.
Candidates generally preform better in plastics and woods.
Ensure you have covered compliant materials in revision, graphics materials.
When drawing out processes make sure moulds and dies resemble the same shape of the product.

4. AQA full mark example
5 (b) The body of the chair has been rotationally moulded. Use notes and diagrams to
describe this process. (10 marks)

6. AQA example 5c AQA example 7a ii
Give two reasons that explain why rotational moulding is suitable for this application. (2x2 marks)
Reason 1: Rotational Moulding creates a hollow, thick walled product which saves plastic but makes the product quite tough.
Reason 2: Rotational moulding produces identical products. Each one will be the same which important for large scale commercial production.
AQA example 7a ii
Explain in detail, why the polymer you have named is suitable for the soap
dispenser.(6 marks)
Polypropylene can be injection moulded because it is a thermoplastic. This
process would be used because the dispenser is quite a complex item to mould and it is generally only done with thermoplastics.
Polypropylene is totally safe to handle. It is an inert- food grade polymer and therefore safe to handle.
Polypropylene is relatively durable and has some flexibility. The dispenser will
be handled

7. AQA full mark example
7b iii Use notes and diagrams to explain in detail how the sink has been formed.( 8 marks)

8. 2 3 1

9. AQA example 7b I & ii
(i) Name a specific metal for the sink (1 mark) Stainless Steel
(ii) Explain in detail why the metal you have named is suitable for the sink (6 marks)
Stainless steel is suitable because it does not corrode and therefore will
maintain a good aesthetic appearance. Stainless steel is malleable so it can be press formed into the shape of the sink.
Stainless Steel is not affected by cleaning products such as bleach. It can be kept clean with various products and will not tarnish. Finally stainless steel is hard, so it won’t scratch easily with constant use.
AQA Key points:
Generally 6 mark questions require 3 relevant properties and 3 explanations.
8 mark questions require 4 relevant properties and 4 explanations.
Manufacturing process diagrams need to have step by step descriptions with line diagrams. Moulds/dies resemble product for max marks.
Lists of generic properties will achieve max 2-3 marks
Section C design modification/development will only achieve 3-4 marks if students produce a complete re-designed item