Design and Technology – Fashion and Textiles
Above all else, we aim to instil a lifelong love of all things DT Fashion and Textiles. We aim to encourage students to pursue a career within the subject area.
We aim to enable students to develop their creativity and skills when working with a range of textiles, equipment and processes in order to prepare them for the Fashion and Textiles industry.
A Townsend student who studies A-level DT Fashion and Textiles should be a confident and independent learner who aspires to be the best they can be without limitations. Townsend’s DT Fashion and Textiles students should be highly creative thinkers, adept at solving problems, show imagination and diligence when developing their solutions. Our students should work smarter, think bigger and aim higher in all of their outcomes and will be the next generation of Textiles creators and Fashion designers.
DT Fashion and Textiles students will enjoy this creative and thought-provoking qualification that gives students the practical skills and theoretical knowledge when working with all fibres, fabrics and specialist textiles. We will help them gain the confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. Students will also develop their technical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as drawing, fashion illustration, fabric technology, pattern cutting, computer-aided design (CAD), sewing and garment construction.
Course details
A-level DT Fashion and Textiles requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This course is separated into two main areas:
- Technical principles
- Designing and making principles.
Programme of Study
Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of textiles materials and manufacturing processes. The course will cover a wide range of topics, from textiles material properties to the history of design and the work of significant fashion designers. All students will be taught how to use CAD software to support in the development of their fashion design ideas, drafting their own patterns and prototypes and will have access to the equipment required to manufacture their chosen ideas. Lessons in A – Level Fashion and Textiles are varied, one lesson could involve analysing an existing garment, while the next could involve developing manufacturing skills by learning and practising a new process.
Assessment
Paper 1 – Technical principles
Written exam: 2.5 hours = 120 marks
30% of A-level
Questions = Mixture of short answer and extended response.
Paper 2 – Designing and making principles
Written exam: 1.5 hours = 80 marks
20% of A-level
Questions – Mixture of short answer and extended response questions
Section A – Product analysis: 30 marks
Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).
Section B
Commercial manufacture: 50 marks = Mixture of short and extended response questions.
NEA – Non-Examination Assessment
Practical application of core technical principles, core designing and making principles and additional specialist knowledge
Substantial design and make project
100 marks
50% of A-level
Evidence – written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.
Home Learning
Students are provided with a workbook for each content area, this will include research tasks, exam questions and consolidation tasks.
Students will also be provided with home access to fashion software and can develop their skills outside of lesson time.
Where can Fashion and Textiles take you?
Costume Designer
A costumer designer might work for theatre companies, film or TV to design and make costumes for all sorts of characters and people. This could be anything from putting together outfits for X factor singers to designing costumes for Doctor Who monsters.
Merchandisers
Merchandisers work closely with the buying team to ensure products appear in store, in the right quantities at the right time. To do this effectively requires accurate forecasting and close monitoring of sales performance. The role of merchandiser is closely tied to the profitability of the store each season, and involves organising sales and promotions.
Retail Buyer
Retail buyers are the brains behind which products or garments are sourced and stocked in advance of a coming season for retail outlets. Purchasing decisions for the company are based on customer demand, market and seasonal trends, store brand, and budget.
Fashion Designers
One of the highest profile roles in the industry, designers are the creative genius’ who work on the design of clothing and fashion ranges. Designers can work in any specialism, from handbags to sportswear to children’s wear. Fashion designers work across a large number of settings, including large retail brands, boutique labels and freelance.
Future Study – here’s just a few of the reputable places to study a higher degree in Fashion
- Central Saint Martins – London
- London College of Fashion
- Loughborough
- Kingston
- Derby
How can parents support their child’s learning
Parents can encourage their children to study and make use of the materials provided in school.
Parents can regularly check Google classroom to check homework and any other notices.
Parents can also encourage their children to practise their CAD design skills at home.
During completion of the NEA in Year 13 parents can monitor their child’s progress and encourage them throughout its completion.
Useful links
https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/Product?Product=9781510413498
For more information contact Mrs Woodward, teacher of Design & Technology, Townsend Church of England School.