In the first three years, students study Textiles as part of the Technology carousel, with two extended learning periods. The subject of Textiles provides the opportunity for students to learn and develop practical skills and knowledge of fabrics, that will help students progress in their practical work. The skills learnt within Textiles will focus on traditional and emerging technologies. As in all the Technology specialisms, the aim is to develop creative thinkers who can respond to changes and develop ideas, products and artworks, that show some understanding of social, economic and environmental issues.
Aims of the subject
The aims are to equip students with the basic life skills so that they can complete simple repairs. As students progress, they should be able to think critically, be equipped with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design in GCSE Art and D&T. Emphasis is not just on manual skills, but also on creative ideas and imaginative approaches to the use of materials and processes. Textiles will promote learning across a variety of experiences and through various processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources to generate different kinds of evidence of working and outcomes.
Year 7
In Year 7, students design and make a small fabric container or bag. They will explore the theme “All about me” and produce a personalised product to keep. They will study the work of an artist and create a logo using fabrics they will applique. The students will learn about basic textiles equipment and safety. Through a series of small focused tasks, they become familiar with the sewing machines and have a chance to become skilful in the use of them. They also have a chance to learn and improve hand-sewing, scissor skills, and understand how fibres are turned into fabrics.
Year 8
In Year 8, students design and make a cushion, based on different cultures, using a variety of decorative techniques. Students will build on the skills they acquire in Year 7 and learn new processes, such as block printing, repeat pattern, stencil printing and screen printing. Students make their own cushion and make choices about the features they include. They will consider ethical issues of fast fashion, mass production and cheap foreign labour. The use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture are introduced when the students learn about the “heat transfer” printing process and some students will use the sublimation print technique in their work.
Year 9
In Year 9, students will create two products that focus on the theme of nature. Firstly, they will produce batik fabric panels in the style of Charles Rennie Macintosh. These panels will form the sides of a lamp that will be made when they move onto D&T in their next rotation. The second product allows students to work in a more independent way as they draw on their past learning to Up-Cycle old textile products to create new ones. There is a focus on sustainability and the role designers can play in improving the environmental impact of products. Students will produce a case study on the fashion chain, Primark. Screen-printing will be explored further and students will build on their sewing machine skills, as they explore the possibilities of free-machine embroidery.
Further information from Mrs W Wrafter