Design & Technology
Curriculum Intent:
At Marshalls Park Academy, Design & Technology and Construction provide an ambitious, creative and practical curriculum that develops students’ technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity and confidence.
Students learn how and why products, structures and systems are designed and made. Through purposeful practical learning, they investigate problems, consider the needs of users, develop and communicate ideas, select appropriate materials and processes, manufacture accurately, test solutions and evaluate their work.
Our curriculum connects knowledge with practical application. Students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, confident makers and resilient problem-solvers who can apply their learning to real-world situations. Across the department, our approach is:
Think → Design → Make → Test → Evaluate → Improve
Students develop knowledge and skills that support progression to further study, apprenticeships and careers in design, engineering, manufacturing, construction and the built environment.
Construction and the Built Environment
Construction provides students with a vocational pathway that combines technical knowledge, practical skills and an understanding of the construction industry.
Through the Pearson Construction qualification, students explore construction technology, materials and components, building methods, health and safety, sustainability, construction design, technical information, tools and equipment, planning and quality control.
A strong carpentry focus allows students to develop practical skills including measuring and marking out, selecting and using tools safely, cutting and shaping materials, producing joints, interpreting technical information and working accurately.
Students learn not only how construction processes are completed, but also why particular materials, tools and methods are selected. This develops their ability to make informed decisions, solve problems and work with increasing independence.
The course brings together three key areas:
Technical Knowledge • Practical Application • Construction Design
Through Design & Technology and Construction, we aim to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, confidence and ambition to progress successfully into further education, apprenticeships and future careers.
Ambitious – Think Bigger, Build Better
