This is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas. We focus on fashion design with the use of textile design in order to enhance the products made. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity through design, experimentation and construction in the coursework element of the examination. Students will take inspiration from a chosen theme ensuring that commercial and industrial practices are taken into account when using their creativity in order to produce a viable product for the customer.

Areas of study include:

• Materials and Components – fibres and fabrics, finishing processes and components.
• Design and Market influences including designers.
• Product Analysis.
• Social, moral, H&S and environmental issues.
• Processes and Manufacture – including enhancing of fabrics, printing and CAD/CAM in the form of transfer printing and embroidery.
• Fashion drawing and presentation.
• Industrial and commercial practice.

Final GCSE Assessment consists of two components:

• Coursework - Design and Make Project (60%)
• Written Paper (40%)

The coursework project is a major element of this course taking approximately 45 hours to produce and should result in a detailed design folder and a textile product or outcome. The 2 hour written paper is taken at the end of the course and contains a design question based on the pre-release materials available to students at the beginning of March in the year they take the exam.

Link to Exam Board Website