Textiles
Curriculum Leader: Mrs N Powell / Mrs J Jones
Subject Teachers: Mrs J Jones, Mrs K Meade & Mrs N Powell
Famous Quote
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening Coco Chanel
Overall Purpose of the Subject - Summary:
Design and Technology allows pupils to explore their creativity using a range of materials and techniques. Pupils have the opportunity to design and make products that respond to a wide variety of problems within a range of contexts.
Textiles Technology specifically develops pupils’ communication skills looking at creating effective annotated designs and ideas. Working with fabrics and stitch, pupils learn how to create functional products using a range of specialist equipment, processes and tools.
Course Outline and Structure – Key Stage 3
Each year in Key Stage 3 pupils experience a rotational timetable of the different Design and Technology subjects. Each rotation lasts approximately 8 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in 5 different areas. Textiles is currently taught in the year 7 rotation and year 9.
Throughout the Textiles Technology rotation pupils are taught how to operate a sewing machine in addition to learning a variety of hand stitches. Alongside the practical elements of the course the pupils are taught theoretical knowledge including how to write a design brief and specification.
Assessment Method - Key Stage 3
Pupils are assessed throughout and at the end of the rotation. Feedback is regularly given to ensure pupils understand how to improve their work. Pupils are assessed on their design, theory and evaluation work as well as their final practical outcome.
Year 10 / Year 11
Course Outline and Structure – Key Stage 4 Exam Board: AQA
Whilst studying Textiles Technology pupils are developing their decision making skills and creativity. They have to explore how aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social elements interact to inform designing and making. Pupils will learn about development of design, materials, how to analysis products as well as the manufacturing process and production planning. Although a practical subject the pupils will learn a lot of theory which will ultimately underpin their knowledge and skills. Pupils will have smaller projects and workshops at the beginning of year 10 to introduce them to different techniques and processes and will then begin their controlled assessment in the Summer Term.
The coursework is made up of a controlled assessment and is worth 60% of the overall final grade. The remaining 40% comes from the theoretical exam taken at the end of year 11.
Assessment Method - Key Stage 4
Unit 1 – Written Paper – 2 hours – Externally Marked – 40% of overall grade
Unit 2 – Design and Making Practice – 45 hours (approx.) – Externally Moderated – 60% of overall grade
Consists of a single design and make activity.
Extra-Curricular Activities / Clubs:
We currently offer regular after school workshops in the format of a period 7 for GCSE pupils who are completing their controlled assessments. These workshops will focus on ensuring the pupils have all the elements required to submit a thorough project meeting all of the Assessment Objectives.
Key Websites to support learning / useful resources:
- BBC Bitesize GCSE Textiles
- AQA GCSE Textile Technology Textbook
- OCR GCSE Textile Technology Textbook
- Lonsdale Textile Revision Guide for Textiles Technology
Click here for information about the National Curriculum for Textiles
