Succeeding with Textile design and creativity.  

We approach learning with an emphasis on developing student’s creative abilities, and appreciating all areas of design.  We provide students with opportunities to make full use of our fantastic facilities. Students are encouraged to develop their own style and experiment with a variety of textile techniques. Students in years Seven, Eight and Nine experience a rotation of Textiles within the Art and Technology curriculum. We offer students the opportunity to cultivate their learning of Textile Design through GCSE and A Level.

Key Stage 5

At AS/A2 we follow the Edexcel Art & Design: Textiles design course, which is a natural progression from GCSE and enables students to demonstrate greater independence.

At AS/ A2 students are expected to be more independent. We support students with guidance to hone their Textiles skills and knowledge.

                   "Our focus is on creativity..."

Our focus is on creativity, looking critically at existing artist and designers. Year 12 and 13 students explore and refine their ideas to create wonderfully imaginative personal responses. They are required to be reflective and enquiring practitioners.

This course prepares students for Foundation and Degree Courses in all creative areas of Textile Design including:

Weaving, Embroidery, Knitwear, Fashion, Print & Surface Decoration, Costume Design, Silversmith Design, Film & Television, Fashion Accessories, Make-Up design, sportswear, Fashion Retail, Advertising and Marketing, Tailoring, Fashion Buying, Graphic Design, Architecture and Interior Design.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE we follow the Edexcel Art & Design: Textiles Design. A creative and inspiring qualification where students explore two broad themes to provide a rich experience. Students gain skills exploring different subject matters and ideas. Through Textiles Design we offer students to learn about constructed textiles, dyed textiles, printed textiles, fine art textiles and fashion textiles.

"Students explore broad themes to provide a rich experience"

Students explore the two themes using a wide range of creative processes including: painting, drawing, photography, embroidery, Photoshop, a range of printmaking techniques, adornment techniques, heat transfer printing, CAD/CAM, manipulation of fabrics, furnishings, fine art, pattern cutting, garment construction and fashion illustration.

Students produce creative textile products by developing their making skills and working knowledge of textiles equipment.

Key Stage 3

Students improve their understanding of Textiles Technology as part of the Art and Technology rotation.

Year 7

Students research a culture and design ideas to make a Textile item (cushion). The cushion designs feature motifs inspired by their chosen culture. Students focus on surface design techniques such as printing and fabric painting to add colour and texture. The project includes students learning to effectively use the sewing machine, hand sewing skills and basic pattern construction.

Year 8

Students design and make a Monster Doll prototype for toy manufacturing. Students create and design a character to appeal to young children. The project includes learning how applique, consolidating skills of the sewing machine, pattern making, pattern construction and practising different decorative techniques embellish on the Monster Doll.

Year 9

Students design and customise a tee shirt to appeal to the teenage clothing market.  The project has emphasis on a personal theme, which ideas are created through an inspiration mood board and fashion illustrations. Students create a tee shirt combining all their prior textile knowledge and adopt new surface decoration skills; Heat transfer printing, stencilling and the use of the computerised aided design sewing machine