Developing confidence and creativity in use of materials and techniques is at the core of KS4 textiles. Students practise and develop skills using a wide range of creative and formal, surface and construction textiles techniques. They explore the way other artists have worked with materials and concepts and look at ways to combine ideas and techniques to create something that is unique to them and their own ideas and interests.
Students are encouraged to develop a very hands on approach to testing and trailing ideas and techniques, taking risks (safely) without fear of 'going wrong'. They become confident in reflecting on their successes, and failures, making informed decisions about how to progress and achieve their aims and gradually developing independence in decision making over the 2 year GCSE course.
In Year 10 students complete two initial projects.
- The first looks at surface, exploring colour, pattern, composition and texture. We will incorporate drawing and photography in developing an independent outcome.
- The second looks at garment construction, in which students learn more formal textiles skills such as hem and seams choices, pleats, gathers, fastenings and shaping. They learn how develop their own pattern using the draping method to create a creative and original garment.
Students can then combine these, develop one of them, or start a new theme for more independent development into their sustained project.
In January of Year 11, students choose from a selection of starting points set externally by the exam board to develop and explore ideas for Component 2: the externally set examination.
Formal feedback is given via Key Assessed Work, in line with school policy, incorporating the four assessment objectives required by the exam board.
Exam Board: AQA Art & Design: Textiles Design
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206/subject-content/textile-design
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/art-and-design/specifications/AQA-ART-GCSE-SP-2016.PDF
Assessment:
60% Component 1: An extended project on a topic of students choice and a body of further work
40% Component 2: Examiner set assignment (choice of topics to investigate) culminating in a 10 hour exam.