Design & Technology
Design & Technology at Ridgeway Academy offers a wide and varied curriculum from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5.
The curriculum areas include, Food and Nutrition, Graphics, Textiles, Computer aided design and Product Design. 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 abs 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. School shoes (not trainers) MUST be worn in all technology areas for safety reasons. Students will be taught the fundamentals of Health and Safety and will be provided with safety glasses and aprons when appropriate.
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, 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.
Project Topics Year 7
Sweetie trinket box, design skills, under the sea sewing project.
Project topics Year 8
Picture frame design and make, popping boxes, water floating garden challenge, action figures.
Project topics Year 9
Phone stand, clock design, Introduction to Photoshop.
Food and Nutrition Studies
Students have the opportunity to study a variety of cooking and 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.
Project Topics
Year 7 – Food skills
Year 8 – Fruit and veg in the kitchen
Year 9 – Taking the rise
