Arts & Design	Resistant Materials	Food Technology
Photography	Graphics	Textiles

Textiles

Our aims are to provide our students with 'real life' problem solving skills relevant to today's environment and levels of technology, not only within the classroom, but reflective of modern commercial practices. Textiles Technology also provides students with the capabilities to communicate and develop their ideas and thought processes using the technological tools of today, whilst reflecting on past practices. It is the department's intention to prepare them for the media of the future, and technology beyond the classroom. We aim to create within the department an environment which will encourage students to achieve high standards, the best of which they are capable, in as many areas as possible, and provide the foundations for a happy and successful adult life. Also, it is important for students to continue to become lifelong learners.

We specifically aim to provide for the students: -

• An organised, well ordered, stimulating environment in which successful learning and teaching can be enjoyed by all.
• To ensure that every student is encouraged in their individual progress and development.
• To equip each student with the life skills necessary to be confident in the changing society in which we live, and able to make decisions about the role they play within it.
• To develop the ability to take decisions and solve problems within the framework of positive development.
• To encourage balanced self- evaluation based upon reflection.
• To encourage students by praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements.
• To develop a wide range of technological capabilities.
• To develop aesthetic awareness of commercial products. 

All students follow a balanced program of study in Technology, in accordance with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Time is spent within the Design and Technology areas where students work on a range of knowledge based and practical based projects. All work is marked to a common assessment scheme which allows the students to clearly see where, and why, marks have been awarded for any piece of work.

Year 7

The emphasis in Year 7 is on carrying out subject specific skills and focused practical tasks using a wide range of materials and components. In addition, we use this opportunity to bridge the difference learning experiences between KS2 and KS3. The aim is to encourage students to gain confidence in the use of these materials and also in the use of the tools and processes used to shape, join and finish the materials. Students are encouraged to demonstrate safety and accuracy and develop their understanding of the materials, tools and techniques used. Within the Year 7 curriculum the emphasis is on gaining practical and design skills. These are expanded in further visits to the different areas during Years 8 and 9. Students are taught in mixed ability groups throughout Year 7.

Year 8

The emphasis in Year 8 is to build on the skills learnt in Year 7, through structured ‘design and make' tasks. The key focus in Textiles is using computer aided design software such as Adobe Photoshop to design their original drawstring bag. Students will revisit the areas of textiles during Year 8. Students will continue to follow the complete design process of research and analysis, design and development, planning, making and evaluating in each area.

Year 9

This year we have introduced a new project that focuses on environmental and sustainable design issues around textiles. The project is delivered similarly to a GCSE short course and students will be accredited with a Bronze. Silver or Gold Art Awards.

KS4 Textiles Technology - AQA

Controlled Assessment counts for 60% of the final GCSE mark in all areas. One external examinations account for the remaining 40% of the GCSE mark.

Who should choose this subject?

• Are you interested in going into Fashion, Retail, Marketing, catering, hospitality Industry
• Have you got a passion and enjoy designing, making clothing, cooking and hospitality?
• Do you have an interest in Fashion or cultural food from around the world to develop?

What will you study?
The course content will include skills, knowledge and understanding related to the material being studied and will cover:

• Materials and components
• Production processes
• Industrial processes
• Social, moral and environmental issues of product design
• Product analysis and evaluation
• Designing and making processes

GCSE Textiles Technology

Course Structure

• Controlled assessment 60% of the total marks (90 marks)

• Written examination (2 hours) 40% of the total marks (120 marks)
  A design question based on context supplied before the exam

What you will study:

During the course, pupils should develop an understanding of the broad perspectives of the design world. This will include graphic and CAD skills, and an awareness of aesthetics and ergonomics all related to textile products. Pupils will make products using textiles. The textiles theory will include the study of modern and smart fibres and fabrics, components and their use, construction of 3D fabric products, use of machines and industrial processes such as computer aided manufacture to mass produce products. Practical work in Year 10 and 11 will enhance existing skills and develop new ones, to include the use of the new industrial computerised embroidery machines, laser cutter and CAD programmes.

Assessment For Year 10

Students will focus on learning basic fabrics and fibres and a range of textiles components and CAD/CAM process. They will complete two project focuses on children’s product and health and safety. Homework is set on a weekly basis and students are expected to complete their homework on time. A mock exam will take place in June.

Assessment For Year 11

Students will focus mainly on their controlled assessment and exam techniques. Students have to choose one of the following controlled assessment topics:

• Electronic and interactive textiles 2. Sustainable design in textiles 3. Soft furnishing

A final mock will take place in December. Controlled assessment will l include a concise A3 design folder with a made product. A student handbook is given to all students to assist their task.

All students must hand in their controlled assessment by February to their subject teacher.

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