Curriculum intent
Design and technology at Retford Oaks Academy is a practical and creative subject that equips students with the skills and knowledge to design, make and evaluate products for real-world contexts. We aim to develop confident, independent learners who can think critically, solve problems and apply their creativity through a range of materials and disciplines.
Through a broad and hands-on curriculum, students explore resistant materials, textiles and food technology. They develop technical skills alongside an understanding of design processes, safety, sustainability and the impact of design on everyday life.
Key stage 3: years 7–9
At key stage 3, students experience a wide range of design and technology disciplines, building practical skills and confidence across different materials and techniques.
Please note that due to the different classes within a year group, students do not follow a fixed termly curriculum. Instead, all students complete the projects outlined below at different points throughout the academic year.
In year 7, students are introduced to core making skills across all areas of design and technology. In resistant materials, they focus on developing skills such as sawing, chiselling and using workshop machinery. In textiles, students learn about different types of fabric and using a range of hand stitching techniques. In food technology, students focus on kitchen safety, hygiene and basic cooking skills, while also exploring potential careers within the hospitality industry.
In year 8, students build on these foundational skills with more complex and refined projects. In resistant materials, they design and create a wooden pencil case, developing techniques such as lap joints and pyrography. In textiles, students explore felting, using artist-inspired approaches to develop embroidery, needle felting and wet felting techniques. In food, students extend their practical skills and knowledge of nutrition, including completing a £5 cook challenge which encourages budgeting, planning and independence.
In year 9, students further refine their skills and work with increased independence. In resistant materials, they design and produce a wooden block calendar, demonstrating advanced joinery techniques such as finger joints. In textiles, students explore cultural influences through an orientalism project, using techniques such as batik and fabric dyeing to create a final piece. In food technology, students deepen their understanding of nutrition through the Eatwell Guide, macro and micronutrients, alongside completing more advanced practical dishes in preparation for key stage 4.
Key stage 4: GCSE
At key stage 4, students can choose to study hospitality and catering, developing practical skills and knowledge linked to the food and hospitality industry.
This course provides students with an understanding of the catering sector, including how to meet customer needs and the importance of nutrition and food safety. Students learn how to plan, prepare, cook and present dishes safely, applying their knowledge in practical contexts.
They also explore the wider hospitality industry, including different types of food provision and the roles within both kitchen and front-of-house environments. This helps students to understand the full scope of the industry, preparing them for further study or careers in areas such as catering, nutrition and hospitality management.
Skills and personal development
Through design and technology, students develop a wide range of transferable skills that support both academic success and future pathways. These include:
- practical and technical skills across a range of materials
- creativity and design thinking
- problem-solving and resilience
- independence and organisation
- understanding of safety and responsibility
Students learn to plan, create and evaluate their work, developing confidence in their ability to turn ideas into reality.
Enrichment opportunities
Students are given opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through practical projects, competitions and experiences linked to real-world design and technology contexts. These opportunities help to inspire creativity and provide insight into future careers within the industry.
