What is it to be a Technology Student at Marriotts?

Design and technology is an inspiring subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs and wants. Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines from across the curriculum such as mathematics, science, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop an understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.  

Design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:  

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world  
• Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users, using a range of materials.
• Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others  

Curriculum Overview

Please click this link to see the Design Technology Curriculum overview.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 curriculum introduces learners to a range of tools, equipment, materials and processes that enable them to engage with the design process in a creative way.

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of designers, what designers do and how the design process flows.

In Y7 and Y8 DT is studied in a carousel with Textiles and Food (Y7) and Food (Y8). Students have 3 hours per fortnight to cover the National Curriculum content in each carousel rotation that changes every 12 weeks. In Y8 students spend two rotations within DT due to the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to be covered.

In Y9 students have 3 hours a fortnight for the whole year. The course aims to extend students' knowledge and understanding of Design Technology theory as well further developing their design and practical skills using a broader range of materials in preparation for GCSE study in Y10. It will enable students to make increasingly independent and creative design choices.

Key Stage 4

We offer GCSE Design Technology (AQA). The aim of this course is to continue the development of student practical skills, as well as their understanding of the theory that underpins Design Technology. Students will learn about the challenges that we face in efficiently manufacturing creative, ethical and sustainably designed products.

Key Stage 5

We offer A-level Design Technology: Product Design (AQA). This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. A real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Curriculum Overview Maps

Click on the relevent year group curriculum maps in the document section below to find out more detail about what is studied in Marriotts Design Technology department. For further details of the Design Technology curriculum please contact Mr J Taylor (J.Taylor@marriotts.herts.sch.uk)

You also download Knowledge Organisers for each year group from our Knowledge Organiser page . These outline what homework is expected from each student, for all subjects.