GCSE Design Technology - Textiles

Type of subject: Creative, practical, technical, academic

Examples of topics studied:

Textiles is studied as part as Design Technology, which is now a single subject. This exciting course will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world.

What will you be doing?

• Understanding users – people, culture and society.
• Learning about natural and synthetic fibres, other materials – such as modern and smart materials, paper, timber, metals, polymers and their working properties.
• Designing – 2D & 3D sketching, modelling, using computer aided design (CAD)
• Making – working with textile-based materials, textile shaping, processing and machining and hand sewing, using computer aided manufacture (CAM)
• New and emerging technologies, industry and enterprise, sustainability and the environment
• Understanding trends and social influences in Fashion
• Learning how things work - energy, systems and devices.
• Evaluating your own and the work of others.

You will get the opportunity to work creatively applying technical and practical skills but you will focus primarily on using textiles and will be encouraged to incorporate other materials if appropriate.

How will this course be assessed?

AQA GCSE Design and Technology

• Assessment is 50% written exam (2 hours) investigating core and specific technical knowledge with textiles as the main material
• 50% Practical coursework (non-exam assessment). A contextual challenge set by the exam board in Year 11

Additional information:

Choose Textiles - Design Technology if you enjoy creating solutions to real life problems, designing and making products to meet the needs of real life users. 

The diversity of this course means it can lead towards a career in fashion design, interior design, materials science, medical textiles, fashion communication and product design to name but a few. Universities value DT Textiles as a subject for those wishing to pursue all types of careers, including science and medicine.

Who should I talk to if I want to ask about this subject?

  Mrs Y Moore (Head of Faculty) Miss K Briggs