Design & Technology

Design & Technology at Ridgeway Academy offers a wide and varied curriculum from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 4.

Welcome to the Design and Technology Department – Subject Leader: Miss R Smith

The curriculum areas include, Food and Nutrition, Photography, Graphics, Product Design and Textiles. We have excellent facilities in the department, including two well equipped Design Technology Workshops, a 3D printer, laser cutter, designated food and nutrition practical rooms and a computer suite.

Pupils have the opportunity to combine creative thinking skills, with designing, making and evaluating their products. As they go through the key stages, these core technology skills are developed and they have opportunities to problem solve working independently and collaboratively as team members. Students are given the opportunity to use a wide range of equipment both in design technology and food, to develop their confidence to prepare them for further and higher education.

As technology is at the forefront of ever changing everyday modern life, the department strives to provide our pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum, as per the whole school policy, preparing them for life after school in the fast-changing world of technology.

Students will be taught the fundamentals of Health and Safety and will be provided with safety glasses and aprons where appropriate, school shoes must be worn in the workshops.

Learning Journey Map

Design Technology Curriculum Map – Year 7 – 11

Key Stage 3

All students at Ridgeway Academy spend a 1 hour lesson each week studying Design & Technology.

They have four rotations where they develop a variety of skills across the different disciplines. All KS3 are taught in mixed ability groups during their time in KS3.

There are a variety of projects studied in Product Design, where the focus is on the core skills of design, make and evaluate. Students have the opportunity to use a range of tools, equipment, materials and machinery, including wood, metal, plastic, computer aided design, laser cutters and printers and various hand-held tools. In addition students have the opportunity to study a variety of cooking experiences in lessons. They will learn various practical culinary skills using a range of utensils, including developing knife skills. They will have the opportunity to cook food from around the world and evaluating all they cook.

Technology Year 7 Curriculum Map 2024 – 25

Technology Year 8 Curriculum Map 2024 – 25

Technology Year 9 Curriculum Map 2024 – 25

Key Stage 4

Students have the opportunity to study two courses at KS4 in the Technology faculty.

Design & Technology (AQA)

Design & Technology is an exciting course; it involves investigating, designing, planning and making quality products using a variety of materials. It provides students with the opportunity to develop communication skills, problem-solving and shows flair, imagination and creativity to design and make prototypes that solve real-life problems.

During the two year course you will study a wide range of materials including papers and boards, timber, metals, polymers and textile fibres and fabrics. You will also develop an understanding of systems, programmable components and mechanisms to support any potential design solutions you may develop later on. This content reflects the importance of design & technology as a pivotal STEM subject.

Hospitality & Catering (WJEC)

Hospitality & Catering is an exciting new course designed to develop in learners the knowledge and understanding related to a range of hospitality and catering providers; how they operate and what they have to take into account to be successful. There is the opportunity to learn about issues related to nutrition and food safety and how they affect successful hospitality and catering operations.

Students also complete a level 2 food hygiene course, which is essential for future work in the hospitality and catering industry.

A qualification in Hospitality & Catering will prepare you to become more aware of the skills required to go into hospitality and catering for large-scale events. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop food preparation and cooking skills as well as the transferable skills of problem-solving, organisation and time-management, and planning and communication.

Y10 3D curriclum overview

Y10 Textiles Curriculum overview

Y11 3D Design Curriculum overview

Y11 Textiles Curriculum overview