It has certainly been a very different first half term back but despite all that’s going on in the world, it has been fantastic to have my textiles classroom back in action, with students keen and excited to design and make! With the help of our wonderful technician Mrs Peterson plus Mr Campion and his team, we have revamped the room slightly to ensure all students can still participate in practical activities in a safe manner.

Students across D&T areas have been working on a variety of design projects, but specifically in textiles, we have seen some beautiful, creative pieces coming together!

Year 8 students have been designing and making sensory activity mats. Students were asked to select and research a client, to design and make a sensory activity mat for. We’ve seen some great outcomes featuring woodland animals, useful memory prompts, all involving new textiles skills like applique and embroidery.

Meanwhile Year 9 students have been developing their Computer Aided Design skills. They have been using photoshop to generate some fantastic repeat print designs. They got their very own designs printed onto fabric and have been making them into bow ties as part of the taster projects. I’m absolutely thrilled that students have really enjoyed this project and I have in fact even seen some fabrics I would love to have in my own wardrobe! Our Year 9 students are proving their abilities and I am sure we have some great designers in the making!

Franchesca Boselli, Crystal May and Bonnie Lyall are 3 of our talented Year 12 students, who are specialising in textiles. For their GCSE projects last year, they all created some wonderful wearable evening wear. To contrast this, their project this term, has been to investigate the very humble shirt and they are now working on how they can enhance and adorn this simple garment to bring it back on trend with some statement features. Their designs below give you a taste of what’s to come. Watch this space for updates on their progress and final outcomes!