Textiles

There is no better quote to describe the importance of textile design that Marc Jacob’s, “Design is a series of creative choices- it’s a collaborative effort, an evolutionary process. You choose your fabrics depending upon what you want it to be… through the process, you realise what you want it to be.” The act of making something utterly personal and meaningful than what one wears is a rebellious and purposeful skill to have.

From Year 7 to Year 9, Textiles, offered through the Art and Design encourages students to take creative risks, work hard for their outcomes, and build up their skills in a variety of materials to help them succeed. The textiles staff come with a variety of skills, artistic training and knowledge that enable pupils to experience a varied and exciting curriculum. We want all pupils to have a unique and enriching experience of in making and manipulating fabrics; equipping them with the skills, techniques, knowledge and understanding to produce work to the best of their individual abilities.

We offer an exciting varied and ambitious programme of study.

Our subject area seeks to develop the following in all our students:

• An understanding of the work and approaches of artists, craftspeople and designers from contemporary and historical contexts, periods, societies and cultures.
• Ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions can be communicated through visual and tactile language, using the formal elements of art through a skills-based curriculum; and,
• The development and exploration of different materials in a controlled and safe setting

The KEY STAGE 3 Section:

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to develop students’ textiles skills such as sewing, appliqué, creativity and analysing designers’ work. Not only does this give them a solid base to undertake GCSE Textiles (Art-based study) in a couple of years time should they wish to, but also helps to boost their literacy and resilience using bespoke units of work covering a variety of textiles genres and themes.

Pupils will be taught to develop their creativity and ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution. They should develop a critical understanding of artists and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work.

Pupils will be taught:

• to use a range of techniques to record their designs in journals as a basis for exploring their ideas
• to use a range of techniques and media, including paint, appliqué and batik
• to increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials
• to analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work
• about the history of art, craft, and design, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.

The Textiles department follows the Academy policy on homework. Homework tasks involve drawing, research, developing classwork or individual responses. It is essential a disciplined approach towards homework is taken in order for students to fully meet the course requirements. Students are welcome in the department at lunch and after-school for homework guidance.

Trips and Visits:

There will be a variety of trips and visits during the course of the school year.

How can I support my child at home?

Please ensure that your child is fully equipped for learning, including a pencil, ruler, rubber and sharpener. We expect students to come to class with homework completed to their best standard. Textiles teachers are available during lunch and after-school for guidance and help. Please check out Youtube.com for some great tutorials on drawing as well as Pinterest.com for visual inspiration. As always, websites should be accessed with parents’ permission first.