Year 12 Product Analysis (Module 1)
Students gain an overview of textiles products. They learn about fibre production, yarn systems, fabric production and the maintenance of textiles products. Fastenings, trims and linings will also be considered and evaluated. A detailed product analysis will be carried out on a wide variety of products and photographs of products (as in the examination).
Year 12 Panelled Skirt (Module 2)
Students learn about major fashion designers, art movements, methods of fabric enhancement, fabric construction methods, illustration and enhancement techniques and the role of the designer. They will carry out a variety of industrial research techniques to inform a design specification. This will lead them onto developing a design for each co-ordinating panel of a skirt (6 panels; designer, past movement, own print based on another culture, construction e.g. adding/removing fibres, fabric never used before, 1 free choice). Students will then gain some experience of how to adapt the paper pattern in order to tailor make it for their own requirements. Students will need to plan their own manufacturing process and time scale in order to meet the manufacturing deadline. During the manufacturing process, students will gain an understanding of how a factory works and compare this with procedures used in a classroom setting. Students will them complete a critical evaluation of the garment produced.
Year 12 Modelling (Module 3)
Students learn about fabric manipulation and garment construction. They will enhance their existing knowledge of these areas, gaining experience of a variety of popular manufacturing techniques. They will complete a technical notebook of samples, with illustrated methods to accompany their practical work. Samples will include binding, piping, pleating, gathering, adding and removing fullness, collars, cuffs and sleeves.
Year 12 Customisation (Module 4)
Students learn about environmental concerns in relation to Textiles. A life cycle analysis of different textiles products will take place in relation to sustainability and the environment. The marketing strategy of textiles companies will be considered and discussed. Different methods of customisation will be considered and utilised as appropriate. Students will design and customise £10 worth of product(s) purchased from a charity shop(s). They will then redesign their customised product for different sectors of society.
Year 13 Materials and Components
Students study a variety of textiles materials so they understand the working characteristics, physical properties, cost and availability which influence the choice of materials in design situations. Knowledge will be required of a wide range of components used in the making of textile products.
Year 13 Processes and Manufacture
Students learn about manufacturing systems used to make, finish and decorate materials for textiles applications. Through critical appraisal and specified products, candidates should understand how materials and components are worked to become parts of a design realisation, initially as toiles, prototypes or models. Students are encouraged to explore practical applications of processing methods as appropriate to the products they design and make. They should plan suitable production systems for the industrial manufacture of finished prototypes, which take into consideration quality assurance and quality control. Graphic communication should be used to illustrate construction processes within design portfolios.
Year 13 3D Design - A Level Coursework
Students follow the design process to design and make most likely a fashion product. Students have a free choice of design brief to follow. The product which is manufactured is also entirely up to the student to design and then produce.
Key Learning Outcomes
Detailed understanding of what product analysis is and how it assists designers at all levels in industry.
Understanding the role and responsibilities of a professional designer.
Overview of famous fashion designers and art movements from 19th and 20th century; cover one in depth.
Have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all fibres, yarns, fabrics, fastenings and trims.
Overview of different fabric decoration methods with a variety of samples.
Able to recognise and state why certain care instructions are required for different textiles applications.
Have a working notebook which contains a wide variety of products which have been thoroughly analysed; to include products manufactured from natural, regenerated, synthetic fibres, as well as apparel, household and industrial textile products. Also to include all methods of fabric construction with samples of disassembly.
Notes and sketches on product evolution of their skirt and extensive, relevant and focussed research into each of the 6 panels. Experience and practice of illustration and enhancement techniques.
Have produced a good quality range of samples (from Module 3) with accompanying notes and clear working drawings. Illustrate what types of textiles products each technique is suitable for.
Have made extensive notes on environmental concerns, product life cycles, copyright and the marketing function.
Purchased, designed, planned and customised an existing product from a charity shop. Whilst fully considering human needs and factors in relation to the product they customised.
Understand how different fabrics behave in different conditions.
Follow the design process successfully and produce a product which is of high quality.
Have utilised equipment successfully and skilfully with accuracy.
Demonstrated an excellent level of knowledge regarding industrial practices and evidenced this throughout the folio.
Utilised effective communication skills throughout the coursework (both verbal and written).
Be able to apply all their knowledge in an examination situation successfully to achieve a good result.