As part of Technology Textiles is compulsory for years 7 - 9. It is an option at GCSE and A-Level.

Textiles Technology comprises of the following topics:-

• Fibre and Fabric production
• The performance characteristics of fabrics
• Equipment used in the subject
• Methods of construction and decoration
• Systems and control within the textile industry
• Health and safety
• Environmental issues

Description of subject by students

"I really like Textiles. I didn’t have much experience of it from Primary School and I had never touched a sewing machine. But, now I know it is really fun and interesting. My favourite part is definitely designing. I am making a cushion and I love it". – Katy Leach year 7

"Textiles is great, because the things you make are things you can take home and actually use. Although sometimes it’s hard to do it, you can always get enough time to finish it with extra clubs and things". – Yasmin Jalil year 7

"Since joining St. Albans Girls School, and studying D&T Textiles for three years. I decided that it was certainly a definite choice for my GCSE options. Textiles was always something that I was interested in. I enjoyed working with materials and fabrics, and was inspired by details and effects that can be added to a garment or piece of textile to sell it well. Fashion has always been a big interest in my life, as I enjoy spotting new pieces and finding out what all of the celebrities were wearing at the latest fashion event, and studying the Textiles GCSE course has developed this interest even further.

After focusing greatly on garment production in my lessons, I have realised that there is a lot more to textiles than you think. It includes a lot of depth and understanding, which the teachers teach brilliantly at STAGS. I have certainly enjoyed designing the products and pieces that I have produced, and of course, found the actual manufacturing of the product interesting as well. Thankfully, there is nothing that I dislike when it comes to textiles, although for students considering it in the future, I would say that you must be ready for the long focus on coursework.

Textiles is a fantastic subject to participate in, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested". – Katie Cheeswright year 11

"Over the past seven years textiles has played a huge part in our education. Instead of looking at just the aesthetic features of a garment we have often selected clothing based on structure and seam quality when shopping. In the beginning we produced basic items, for example, pyjamas and cushions, but we have now progressed to designing and implementing our own designs, such as curtains and evening wear. Along the way we have had hiccups and down falls but Mrs. Fowler has always been there to tie our knots and iron us out. Parallel to our coursework projects we have explored areas of the manufacturing industry fabric characteristics. To assist our learning we have had glorious trips out to such extravagant exhibitions, including the knitting and stitching convention. 75% of the year 13 group have made the knotty decision to carry on textiles into higher education". - Lauren Bowers, Arouji Malik, Emma Smythe, Catherine Woodhead year 13.

Course Content

AS
D & T Textiles A level gives you the opportunity to develop your capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, manufacture and marketing.
In year 12 there are two units:
1. Theory: fibres, yarn types, fabric manufacture, fabric finishes and surface decoration, industrial and commercial practice, development of design.
2. Coursework – a design and make project or two smaller projects.

A2
In year 13 the pattern is the same:
3. Theory: testing and comparing fabrics, major developments in textile technology, industrial and commercial practice, fabric manufacture and product manufacture.
Coursework – a single substantial design and make activity.

Learning Methods

Where ever possible topics will be taught within designing and making activities. In year 12 unit 1 is assessed by a written exam (AS 50%, A2 25%), while unit 2 is the coursework task assessed by your teacher and moderated externally (AS 50%, A2 25%). In year 13 the pattern is the same.

Expectations of students

• An interest in and enthusiasm for design and the effects of technology on society
• A desire to meet challenges and solve problems
• The ability to work independently

Careers Implications

Although not a specific requirement for many university courses or careers, Textile Design will provide many necessary skills and enhance opportunities in the fashion and manufacturing industry, such as fashion illustration, design and journalism, buying and advertising, research into fibre and fabrics, garment construction and pattern cutting. We live in an increasingly technological world and the ability to analyse and respond to changes and innovations will be of benefit in any career.

Clubs

Catch up textile club Wednesday lunchtime, 12:30 in N1,
Textile coursework help/guidance sessions – alternating Wednesday and Friday evenings in N1 from 3:30 – 4:30

GCSE revision sessions Thursday lunchtimes H2