Textiles

Aims of the Textiles department:

  • To give our pupils an understanding of the characteristics of different fabrics, their handling and uses.
  • To enable pupils to work from a design brief, to research and formulate a design proposal and to achieve a final end product.
  • To develop practical and manipulative skills using a range of  techniques and methods.  
  • To familiarise our pupils with a range of equipment including the sewing machine.
  • To encourage inventiveness, originality and creativity.
  • To ensure that the pupils work safely and do not endanger others.
  • To encourage pupils to take pride in their work and to achieve a good standard of finish.
  • To introduce pupils to recent technological advances in the Textile industry.

 

Year 7
Year 7 students will learn to safely use the sewing machines and small textile equipment with safety, accuracy and efficiency.  They will construct a tote bag, using a range of techniques and equipment.

Areas of Study include:

  • Fabric layout and cutting 
  • Origins of fibres and basic properties 
  • Fibre, yarn and fabric
  • Health and safety 
  • The use of the sewing machine to include accurate usage

 
Year 8
In year 8 the emphasis is using a range of fabric decoration techniques to create an original and exciting cushion within a set theme.  Students will develop design and making skills using a wide range of fabrics tools and processes.

Areas of Study include:

  • Design brief: To design a cushion cover that incorporates a designated theme.
  • Fabric dyeing techniques
  • Fabric decoration techniques– machine appliqué, hand embroidery, beading and stenciling
  • Construction
  • Equipment, tools and their safe use – iron, dyes etc
  • Evaluation of product against original brief

 

Year 9
Year 9 pupils will learn to use a brief to guide their designing. They will be encouraged to combine both the decorative techniques and sewing skills developed in previous years to produce a creative and original product. Market research, pattern cutting and fashion illustration are new areas of study

Areas of Study include:

  • Construction
  • Gathering and selcting appropriate information to guide the design brief 
  • Considering functions of the end product as well as the aesthetics
  • Marketing of the end product 
  • Pattern making 

 

Key Stage 4
This is a two year course where students learn to create a portfolio and see the design process through from start to finish.  The will develop their sewing skills by learning to use a commercial pattern as well as learn to adapt these in order to achieve their own designs.  Year 11 pupils will complete a major design and make a project which comprises 60% of the final examination mark.

Examining Board AQA
Aims: To develop designing skills, problem solving & analytical skills.
Career Opportunities: Textile industry in fashion, design, production & management, project management.