Textiles is a relatively new department. It offers pupils the skills to equip them for the future on a day to day basis. The textiles department has developed over the last five years, improving on machinery and equipment and is still developing, bringing new exciting techniques into the department. Pupils’ work is displayed throughout the department, raising pupils’ awareness and celebrating their achievements.
Aims
The course is to encourage pupils to develop their creative and imaginative abilities and their practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings in textiles. Pupils will investigate, analyse and experiment. This will help to encourage pupils to understand and enhance awareness of textiles. Pupils will gain knowledge and understanding about textiles in contemporary societies and in other times and cultures.
What will I study?
At KS3 all pupils benefit from a diverse curriculum where they can gain skills in creativity. Pupils will have an opportunity to learn to use a sewing machine, hand stitch, batik, tie die, printmaking, fashion design, 3-dimensional work and construction of a textile item. They will also gain knowledge about textile artists.
How will I study?
Pupils are taught different techniques and artists during class time and are encouraged to research and learn further outside school. Pupils work in sketchbooks at KS3 where they experiment with various art and textile media. Independent learning is important at KS3, and vital at KS4 in order for pupils to produce a personal response to their work.
How will I be monitored and assessed?
Pupils record their levels at the beginning of the year into planners and sketchbooks and are monitored throughout the academic year. Written comments are given to encourage pupils’ learning further. Opportunities are given to discuss their own work and to help to recognise areas that need improvement.
What will happen in KS4?
At KS4, pupils have the option of taking textiles at GCSE level. This is a highly creative course where pupils explore further their creative abilities. The course consists of 60% coursework and 40% exam. Pupils work in sketchbooks and make textile products, for example, wall hangings, bags, clothes, hats, etc.