What will students study in Fashion and Textiles this year?

Year 9

During Year 9 students will gain experience of a wide range of techniques that they can then develop from a selection of specialist disciplines in the field of art and design through short design and make tasks to longer project based assignments.  Students will study the work of a diverse range of designers and gain an understanding of historical context in design.  Students will discuss the social, moral and ethical role of the designer in today’s society.

Year 10 Students will study a range of artists work and interpret their own responses from this work using a variety of specialist techniques, processes and mixed media to create effective outcomes that meet the requirements of client briefs.  Throughout the set assignments our students will learn to select and present effective investigations into a diverse range of artists, designers and makers, explaining how the artists/designers communicate their ideas. 

A portfolio is the most immediate way an artist, craftsperson or designer can their work. Students will need to keep an up-to-date record of their work to demonstrate knowledge and skills used. The portfolio may be paper based but increasingly, artists and designers are using digital means to show their work.  The portfolio should include research, sketches, final artwork or photographs of artwork.

Year 11

Students will complete their Component 2 Developing Practical Skills in Art and Design based on the Fashion in Motion shows at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Students will research, design and model innovative, textiles prototypes demonstrating how their ideas have progressed and the methods used for creating their products.  Students will use CAD to feature their textiles products to advertise the fashion show at the V&A.

Component 3:  the 20 hour, externally set exam question is released to students in the Spring term.  Students will use all the skills that they have developed to research, design and prototype responses to the set question.  The exam is a combination of research, ICT and technical practical skills. 

What are the major assessments this year?

Each half-term students will complete a mini assessment using exam style questions that can be added to their coursework. Students will set their own targets based on peer and teacher feedback, improving on these in the next project. Students will also be assessed on their practical technical ability and should demonstrate development, progression and resilience within their work.

What do assessments test?

Assessments are designed to assess knowledge and understanding of the subjects taught.  Students will also be assessed on their practical skills using the Pearson BTEC specification exam board grading criteria.

What are the expectations of students in Fashion and Textiles?

We expect that students follow all instructions given including health and safety rules.  A variety of homework will be set and all deadlines must be met.  If a student has any problems with their work they must speak to their subject teacher at least the day before their lesson.  Students will require drawing equipment and a sketchbook.  It would also be useful for students to have a selection of fabrics, needle and threads for use at home. Students may be required to purchase or upcycle additional materials if they require them.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in Fashion and Textiles?

In the first instance, they should speak to her subject teacher who will help to identify specific areas for improvement in the subject with targeted support.

How can I best support my daughter in Fashion and Textiles?

The best way to provide general support is by discussing their work in the subject and how things are going. If you can access the CAD such as Adobe Photoshop or illustrator and encourage your daughter to develop her computer aided design skills by working through the free trials, she will increase her confidence and develop her original ideas. Visiting exhibitions and galleries such as the Design Museum, the V&A, and Tate Modern will support the research section of the Controlled Assessment. For any clarification of key knowledge and revision use the website https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please contact the Head of Design and Technology, Mrs Pearce, bpearce@carshaltongirls.org.uk with as much detailed information as possible.