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Textiles

Textiles Technology enables students to develop a working knowledge of a wide range of textiles materials and components appropriate to modelling, prototyping and manufacturing. Students will learn about design and market influences, processes and manufacture, environmental issues and the use of ICT in relation to the manufacturing of material products.

 

Why Study this Subject? 

A textiles qualification opens up many doors. You will have skills to create designs for fashion or interiors; to design and create costumes for film, television and theatre; to create sellable products with your own imaginative flair. Your skills will open up pathways to working with clients, working to a brief and having the confidence to create your own projects. Textiles gives you valuable transferrable skills such as dexterity, patience, and attention to detail as well as communication skills.

As a designer, you've always got to push yourself forward.

Alexander McQueen

Events

GCSE Trip to New Designers in London

 

Topics of Study and Assignments 

In Year 7 students will learn some textile design techniques and how to operate a sewing machine. These skills will allow students to spend a half term creating a textile product to a brief.

In Year 8 students get the chance to advance their knowledge of textiles by learning more embellishment techniques. Knowledge of textile construction will be expanded by using a pattern to create a product. Students will also get the chance to create embellishment on our Digital Embroidery Machine using CAD.

At GCSE level students will learn a wealth of textile construction techniques used in industry. Machinery knowledge will be expanded to include the use of the overlocker.  There is more opportunity to use CAD to create work on the Digital Embroidery Machine and Laser Cutter. Students will be encouraged to create the most imaginative products they can come up with and combine their personal interests with the subject.

The Team
 

Head of Department Georgina Maltby has qualified in BA Hons Interior Textiles and Surface Design. Her interests include travelling, photography, making her own clothes and cooking. She is advanced in PADI scuba-diving.

Emily Fenner-Hudson is a Design and Technology Faculty Department Assistant and qualified with a BA Hons in printed Textile Design and MA in Fashion Bodywear. Her interests include: sustainable textiles, dress making and surface pattern design.

Cara McCaughey is an Art and Textiles Technician and qualified with a BA Hons  in Textile Art, Design and Fashion. Her interests include contemporary and traditional embroidery, illustration, printmaking and cooking.

Catherine Shemeld is a Technology Teaching Assistant and is qualified with a BA Hons in Fine Art Printmaking. She supports the learning of students with a focus on those with special educational needs. Her interests include visual arts, printmaking, graphic design, photography, sewing and crochet. 

 

Alumni News

We were thrilled to receive the following exciting news from former student Lola Spinks, who left Varndean in 2013. "Thought you might be interested to know that I've recently accepted a place at Central Saint Martins on their Textile Design BA course!! 

I studied Textiles (A*) and Art (A) at A Level, progressed on to the art foundation course where I chose to do fashion and textiles. I applied for Textile Design at Glasgow, Manchester, Loughborough, Norwich and CSM. After receiving offers from them all except Glasgow, I confirmed my place at Central. I've sewn ever since I was little and have always loved the hands-on 3D element of textiles." Lola has a blog showcasing her work and her work will also be exhibited at the Art Foundation Show at City College at the end of June.

 

Contact 

Email: georginamaltby@varndean.co.uk

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