Textiles is one ‘craft’ subject that offers the girls maximum opportunity to display their 3D design skills and finish up with something usable they can take away and wear.

Designing and making clothes requires an ability to visualise items in 3D that will be aesthetically pleasing from all sides within the constraints of fitting the human form.  Very few can excel at this, which is why those that do become household names.

Be it a ball gown that shouts, ‘Look at me NOW!’, or a business suit that speaks quietly of assured confidence, each project presents challenges that the girls will overcome using the knowledge and skills built up over previous years.

Naturally they have computer aided design systems, a reference library, and state of the art sewing and embroidery machines to assist them.  The creative flair however, is all their own.

Basic skills are gained via projects that typically include; starting in year 8 with patchwork, moving on to year 10, perhaps painted silk cushion covers, then in year 11 GCSE coursework includes complete garments for a young child or themselves, or indeed a collection of soft furnishings.

Finally, for those who carry on with textiles in the sixth form, a couture outfit of their own design.

Three examples of Year 7 Work requiring both hand and machine stitching.  Using pre-printed cotton to make quilted cushion covers.

Hand embroidery, incorporating five different stitches.  Drawn from nature.