Curriculum | Textiles | Fareham Academy

Textiles

At Fareham Academy we provide students with a successful and dynamic Textiles curriculum. In Key Stage 3 students study Textiles as part of the Design and Technology carousel curriculum. Students explore and experiment with a range of techniques and through a mixture of exciting projects including:

Designing and making monsters for Pixar- students are taught a wide range of techniques and skills such as machine sewing, pattern cutting and designing for a brief.
Creating soft sculpture houses, using a variety of techniques like bondaweb applique, heat transfer inks, and 3d construction.
Graffiti design project exploring local and well known artists, developing a style, more complex hand embroidery and experimenting with smart/ responsive materials

Students are inspired by contemporary artists and designers through a variety of projects and expand their analytical skills by making connections between their own work and that of artists and designers, whilst also drawing links into other areas of the curriculum.

For students interested in expanding their fashion and textiles knowledge and skills, GCSE Textiles is an enjoyable and rewarding option. Students create their coursework portfolios focusing on two projects:

Botanicals - This coursework project explores the interesting process of batik to create fabric which is then worked into further looking at embroidery such as french knots, bullion stitch, free machine embroidery and detailing work such as adornment with beading and sequins.
Bodies of water - This coursework project explores the traditional process of felt making, white-work embroidery, colour matching dye processes to colour palettes used, adding surface textures and exploratory drawing techniques.

There is no final written exam for this GCSE Textiles, however there is a final controlled assessment where students are required to create a body of practical textiles work responding to the themes set by the awarding body AQA. Past controlled assessment themes have included 'detail', 'out of place' and 'maps'.

The students use their developed knowledge of a project cycle and apply this understanding to the exam assessment. This is via the skills, and personal intentions set out by the student to ensure the work is clearly focused, relevant and demonstrates the ability to use textile design techniques and processes appropriate for the project.

Studying GCSE Fashion and Textiles provides students with a range of specialist and transferable skills. Many students progress and continue with their creative journeys into areas such as Fashion Design, Costume Design and Interior Design, creating the interiors for some of the leading marine industries in the Solent region. The UK creative industries sector is world leading with many Global fashion brands being led by Young British Designers.