What do you do in the Lower School?

Textiles Technology is taught to First and Second Year pupils and gives them hands-on practical experience of the skills in production, design and fashion.

The First Year course will involve the pupils in a design and make project that will focus on simple pattern drafting and the use of sewing machines. Pupils are introduced to Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Techniques. Theoretical aspects of the course will cover the material technology of fabrics and the production processes commonly found in industry.

In the Second Year project work will form a major part of the course involving the use of more advanced pattern drafting and a wider range of surface pattern techniques. Pupils will gain a further commercial insight by relating their work to the mass production of garments in industry.

What happens further up the school?

At GCSE pupils study AQA Design and Technology: Textile Technology. As part of the course pupils will carry out product analysis by studying existing textiles, designs and products. The analysis of the work of past and present designers acts as a starting point for the creation of new fashion design/look.

Through their studies of different textiles, pupils will develop a working knowledge of natural and synthetic fibres, investigating examples of woven, knitted and bonded fabrics. They will develop an awareness of technological advances in textiles materials and their applications in a wide range of industries.

At A Level pupils follow the AQA Design and Technology: Textile Technology course which is assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. Pupils will develop a wide range of manufacturing skills and techniques including the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). They will relate this knowledge to industrial and commercial production and understand the processes involved in manufacturing for batch and mass production.