Design Technology

Head of Department: Mrs N Morris

Department Introduction

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.