‘Motivate, inspire, create’
The Creative Design Faculty aims to motivate and inspire our students through providing a high quality, inclusive education for all. It is our mission to champion the value of creativity and expression to ensure our students develop into proactive citizens that have a voice in society.
We provide opportunities for our students to:
Build confidence
Express themselves
Explore media, techniques and processes
Create innovative ideas
See a journey through from concept to realisation
Take creative risks
Learn life skills
Critically think and develop opinions
Engage in professional practise
Textiles provides pupils with the opportunity to express their creative side through a variety of techniques. Throughout the years at John Smeaton they are able to create numerous items that allow them to explore processes and materials and gain understanding of how textiles are used and cared for in the world around them. Pupils are able to choose to take Textiles after Year 7.
Year 7
All students study Textiles for two lessons a week on a carousel with 3D Art, Food and IT.
Pupils in Year 7 focus on building their basic skills in a variety of textile mediums and how these skills link to other creative subjects. They have the opportunity to explore materials, techniques and processes through various textiles outcomes.
Year 8
Pupils in Year 8 focus on developing their construction skills and awareness of sustainable textiles through a variety of textile outcomes including;
- Patchwork cushions
- Printed bags
- Upcycled clothing
Year 9
Pupils in Year 9 are introduced to Textiles as a pre GCSE course and are encouraged throughout the year to tackle projects in a manner similar to their GCSE work. Pupils are initially guided through a series of processes and techniques before applying these to various outcomes. These include;
- Fabric book covers
- Toys and teddy bears
- Skirts and shorts
Year 10 and 11
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 can choose to study GSCE Design Technology Textiles. During the year they follow the Edexcel exam specification which is 50% controlled assessment coursework and 50% final examination. The course allows them to choose from a variety of design problems and chose the project that they feel they will have the most success in.
GCSE Specification Overview
Component 1: Written Examination 50%
- Written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes
- The paper is split into two sections and is worth 100 marks
- Section A is based on core content (metals, papers and boards, polymers, systems, textiles, timbres)
- Section B is based on material categories chosen by the students
Component 2: Non Examined Assessment 50%
In Year 10 they will complete two mini products looking at product and garment design as well as studying the theory behind Design Technology. In the June of Year 10 they will receive their starting points from the exam board. They research and develop their idea throughout Year 11 before developing a final piece evaluating their work continuously as they progress. At the end of Year 11 they will sit their final exam.
Department Staff
Miss Warne - Teacher of Texiles (KS3 Pastoral Lead)
Mrs Richardson - Head of Department
Mrs Hinkles - Second in Department
