I like to refer to this like a computer game. Level 1 and you're a beginner, level 2, you're more advanced and so on. With each level, things get more complex, more difficult, and for those of you where 'game over' comes too early, some of you will find this difficult.
With regards to an A-Level in DT, your levels refer to how much depth you go into when it comes to your annotations and descriptions, both key requirements of the NEA and written exam. The more depth and detail, the higher the level!
Level 1 - Pine is a wood.
Level 2 - Pine is a softwood.
Level 3 - Pine is a softwood, which is processed from a coniferous tree.
Level 4 - Pine is a softwood - a coniferous tree which means it grown all year round.
Level 5 - Pine, being a coniferous tree, grows all year round and because this is so, it grows much faster than hardwood varieties.
Level 6 - Pine, being a coniferous tree, grows all year round as it does not loose its leaves, (it bares needles rather than broad leaves). Because of this it grows all year round and reaches maturity quicker.
Level 7 + Pine, being a coniferous tree, grows all year round as it does not loose its leaves, (it bares needles rather than broad leaves). Because of this it reaches maturity quicker and can be felled sooner (roughly 20 years of growing compared to 40 years for a hardwood), which, if considering farming and processing makes it more available/ affordable.
Because of growing conditions, softwood varieties generally grow in the northern hemisphere, making them more affordable for users in this region, but consequently, more expensive for users where more transportation is required.
Because more transportation is required for some users of the material, there can be an increased carbon footprint for them. This, alongside the energy used and pollution caused by the processing, despite timber being a sustainable material, still has a negative impact on the environment.
In terms of product or manufacturing use, because Pine is a relatively straight grained material and is strong/ stiff it's good for the use in structural and furniture manufacture. It can however be quite knotty and this can have an impact of it's appearance. to prolong its life If being used outside it can be treated with varnish or paint.
In this example, it is not just about being able to state as many facts as you can about pine, it's about being able to discuss all the impact it has, from the material and origin, to the advantages and disadvantages it has over other materials, through to environmental and other wider issues.