Art Textiles provides students with opportunities to develop ways in which they can share and express their individual creativity, whilst learning about and making links with different types of art and design in society. Pupils are encouraged to develop a natural sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them, contributing to their personal development in creativity, independence, resilience and self reflection.

The curriculum aims to inspire pupils to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Skills developed will equip pupils for further education and employment, by encouraging creative thinking to problems and concepts. 

Pupils will build on their understanding of the visual language of art and design, as well as developing practical skills in a wide range of textiles techniques and processes. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge, and draw on other disciplines such as literacy, numeracy, engineering and computing. With high expectations, pupils are provided with appropriate levels of challenge, as well as being given personalised guidance and support.

KS3 students are taught in mixed ability groups, on a termly rotation basis. Classes are allocated 1 hour per week.

Year 7 - Animal Hand Puppet

Year 8 - Tote Bag (inspired by ‘The Day of the Dead’ festival)

Year 9 - Tie Dye Cushion Cover (inspired by ‘Natural Form’)

All KS3 projects develop pupil’s artistic skills, through drawing and designing tasks. Pupils are also encouraged to complete independent research, which is used as inspiration for their project. In addition, numeracy and literacy skills are required - for tasks such as the measuring/marking of fabrics and evaluating work/ideas.

By the end of KS3, pupils will have learnt and developed practical skills in a range of textiles techniques and processes - including hand embroidery, applique, tie dye, batik, quilting, and creating hems/seams. They will learn how to safely use a variety of specialist tools and equipment (including the sewing machine), as well as use different materials and textiles components within their products.

At KS4, pupils follow the AQA Art & Design: Textiles Specification.They are taught in options groups and are allocated 3 hours per week. Intervention is also offered afterschool, for one hour per week. Personalised plans are created and guidance is given on a 1:1 basis, to support each pupil individually.

Pupils build on the knowledge and skills developed at KS3, and explore/experiment with a wide range of other processes, techniques and materials. They will develop investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills.

Year 10 - Component 1 > Project 1: Flowers

Year 11 

(Autumn Term) - Component 1 > Project 2: Chosen from a selection of titles provided by teacher

(Spring Term) - Component 2 > ESA: Chosen from a selection of titles provided by AQA

(Summer Term) - Component 2 > ESA: Practical Exam

For component 1 (portfolio), pupils develop responses to initial starting points. They conduct independent research, record observations and select/experiment with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes in order to develop and refine their ideas. For each project, pupils realise their intentions by creating a personal and meaningful response, which could have a functional or non-functional purpose.

Component 2 is an externally set assignment, with a starting point provided by AQA. Pupils will respond as above, providing evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints. The outcome of this component will be created as part of a 10 hour practical exam.

We do not currently offer Textiles at KS5.

However, through our careers programme, we are able to provide advice and guidance on a whole range of textiles-related careers, such as printing, fabric design, tailoring, costume design, merchandising and fashion retailing.