AIM

GCSE Design & Technology with Textiles specialism will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully with design in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on design, textiles and fashion including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will be given the opportunity to work creatively when designing, making and applying technical and practical expertise.

The GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of materials and core design concepts and whilst studying textiles and fashion in greater depth. The Product Design course teaches the same core knowledge.

ASSESSMENT

Unit 1: Written exam 2 hour paper (50%)

Unit 2: Non-examined assessment coursework (20 A3 page design folder and product) (50%)

CONTENT

Students will be able to design and make a range of items and they will: 

• Learn to develop their own fabrics and products using a range of traditional creative techniques such as printing, dyeing, and surface embellishment 

• Be encouraged to use new technologies such as laser cutting and the incorporation of electronics and a variety of modern materials into their ideas 

• Learn how to cut patterns, designing and making products for a wide range of uses including interiors, fashion, products for children and accessories 

• Study the work of influential fashion designers including Coco Chanel, Mary Quant and Alexander McQueen 

• Develop fashion drawing and illustration skills to enable a professional presentation of design concepts.

OTHER INFORMATION 

This is an innovative course which requires students to show their individual practical and creative skills. It demands a commitment to work at the highest standard both in the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. It links well with many other subjects including Maths, Humanities, Science, Art and Business Studies. 

The core content covers all material types, woods, metals, polymers, new materials, textiles and electronics. Additionally sustainability, industrial processes and mechanisms. 15% of the course is mathematical content. 

This course will suit students who enjoy being creative with the main practical focus of textiles. It is suitable for students who wish to continue Fashion & Textiles at A Level. It will also appeal to those with an interest in a career in interior design, costume design and fashion designers or in the fields of buying and merchandising.