Textiles Technology
In Textiles Technology students combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products that meet society’s needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively, solving problems both as individuals and members of a team. They respond with ideas which are developed with depth that challenge expectations. Students are encouraged to become discriminating users of products and as their confidence grows, they develop an understanding of different construction techniques, materials and media. At every stage, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning whilst their study skills are cultivated, developing lively and enquiring minds. This gives students the self-confidence to fulfil their potential whilst developing an understanding of textiles in the wider community with a strong emphasis on issues such as sustainability.
KS3 Curriculum
Students undertake an 8-10 week textile project in each year throughout KS3 that includes the following:
- Research of both historical and contemporary artists, designers and textile techniques.
- Investigating ethical and environmental issues with a focus on sustainability within textile manufacture.
- The design and manufacture of a range of exciting, functional and marketable products.
- The development of high- quality fabric products produced from imaginative and realistic design ideas.
- Developing skills utilising an extensive range of fabric embellishment techniques and sewing skills.
YEAR 7
- Design and make a unique, high quality soft furnishing product based upon a designated theme.
- The product must meet the specification criteria of the brief.
- The design will be appliqued and enhanced with various embellishment techniques with a focus on how to safely operate a sewing machine.
YEAR 8
- Design and make a high quality sustainable ‘Morsbag’.
- The tote bag will build upon the construction and design skills learned in Yr 7 and will include skills such as double rolled hems, strap insertion and French seams.
- The product must be both practical and constructed to a high standard.
- The bag will be embellished utilising a range of decorative techniques such as tie dye, applique and hand or machine embroidery.
YEAR 9
- Design and make a wearable product taking into account sustainability issues within the textiles manufacturing process.
- The product is to be constructed predominantly from recycled fabrics.
- An extensive range of contemporary fabric embellishment techniques to be investigated and experimented with.
KS4 Curriculum
Students at GCSE create two portfolio based projects based on two separate themes which form 60% of their total marks. This then equips students with the skills and knowledge to select from a choice of questions given by the AQA examining board during the January of Year 11. This culminates in preparatory studies and a controlled assessment spanning across 10 hours. This forms the remaining 40% of the student’s total marks.
Throughout the two years students will create work which will be assessed across four assessment criteria:
AO1 – Develop your ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources [Research contemporary and historical artists and techniques and use this to inspire your own work.]
AO2 – Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. [Experiment with textile materials and techniques in order to improve your skills so you can devise a final idea.]
AO3 – Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. [Think about the theme, making observations through drawing, writing and photography.]
AO4 – Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions & demonstrates understanding of visual language. [Construct an evaluated final outcome.]
The GCSE textiles course allows students to investigate and explore a variety of materials and media in order to create final textile outcomes. The student’s area of study could incorporate; fashion & accessory design, textile design, costume design, interior design, set design or constructed or printed textiles. Outcomes might include; clothing and accessories, sculptural textiles pieces, printed fabrics, homeware and knitwear to name a few.
Year 10
Assessment – In Year 10 assessment is internal and reflects GCSE grades following the assessment criteria for each of the four assessment objectives. Progress is monitored and assessed on a regular basis to ensure individual targets are met. Written/verbal feedback is given with challenging focus points.
Practical teaching is intensive. Students are responsible for developing innovative designs, which build their confidence and help them to make informed decisions. Using a range of mixed media, students gain a strong technical and theoretical understanding and are exposed to an extensive range of embellishment techniques including:
- Machine embroidery
- Hand embroidery
- Sequin work
- Tie dye
- Beading work
- Applique
- Batik
- Printing
- Transfer printing
- Screen printing
- Felting
- Fusing
- Constructed textiles
Year 11 – Art and design Textiles (AQA)
In Year 11 students focus on completing their portfolio work for the first term and then embark on their selected exam question from the January of the Spring term which they complete under controlled assessment conditions across 10 hours in April.
Students have the opportunity to research and identify their own design briefs based on questions set by AQA. They are given the opportunity to work on their strengths to skilfully develop a textile product to a high standard utilising a variety of textile materials and techniques. Students are encouraged to create outcomes which are personalised and unique.
Homework
Homework is set on a weekly basis to consolidate classroom teaching and to allow students to focus their ideas. This is carefully tracked and monitored.
Extra-curricular Activities
The Textiles Department has an open-door policy and is open during most break times for all students to access all facilities and for one-to-one discussion and support. Times at the end of school can also be arranged for individual or group learning.