Textiles
The Textiles Technology department is enthusiastic and well equipped with a sewing machine for every pupil and a large range of fabrics, paints, dyes and threads to excite the imagination. The pupils use cutting edge CAD software programs and embroidery machines that allow the individual to transform their original design ideas into quality finished products.
All UIII (Year7) girls follow a half year Textiles course designed to give each pupil maximum experience in the use of the sewing machine. The girls thoroughly enjoy making a bag; beginning with the same commercial pattern, each pupil plans and customises her design by choosing her own fabric, machine embroidery stitches and embellishments to make her product totally unique. As well as focussing on practical skills, the girls also gain a general background about the different fibre types, their care and environmental issues in order to become informed consumers of the future. The interest and enthusiasm of our pupils is also captured with Textiles challenges, competitions, a lunchtime club and a dedicated D&T day to refresh their skills in LIV (Year 8). At The Abbey in UIV (Year 9) the focus is working through the design process and each pupil makes a cushion to their own developed specification and for their selected target market group as a foundation to the approach used at GCSE.
Textiles Technology at GCSE encourages pupils to be innovative and develop their creative ideas. It is a fun and enjoyable way of developing practical skills whilst also developing problem solving skills in relation to the design and manufacture of products. The pupils combine project work with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. The Textiles department arranges an annual trip for GCSE students to the Clothes Show Live at the NEC and Sixth Form students visit relevant exhibitions and enjoy study days.
