Design Technology

Head of Department: Mrs N Morris

At Herne Bay High School, we aim to inspire students in the creative process of designing and making prototypes. We introduce technical knowledge at the start of key stage 3 and further develop this throughout all the key stages.

Based in a refurbished building dedicated specifically to our subject we have a range of traditional and contemporary tools including a laser cutter, CNC router and 3D printers. We have 2 fully equipped workshops and 2 computer suites. Projects are designed so that there is fluid movement between rooms for different parts of an area of study.

Workshop based lessons: Students learn to use a wide range of workshop machinery and hand tools whilst working with plastic, metal and wood. A basic knowledge of mechanisms, materials, safety, tools and structures is taught and the development of technical vocabulary is encouraged. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM) is used throughout the course.

Textiles based lessons: Students experience a variety of hand and machine-based textile techniques in order to apply surface decoration or to construct a textile-based product. A basic knowledge of technical content is taught including how fabric is constructed, the properties specific to individual material and information on the original source. E-textiles is used to encourage new innovative ways of thinking when designing.

Graphics & theory-based lessons: Students are taught a range of graphic techniques to present initial ideas and develop technical drawing skills.