Textiles education is a vital part of a well-rounded curriculum, offering pupils from Reception through to Year 11 a unique blend of creative, technical, and life skills.
Textiles is more than sewing, it nurtures:
- Creativity and self-expression
- Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Problem-solving and design thinking
- Understanding of sustainability and material science
- Cultural appreciation and historical context
- Confidence and independence through making
Pre-Prep
In Pre-Prep, Textiles is introduced through playful, sensory experiences where pupils are able to explore textures, colours, and basic stitching. This helps develop skills in:
- Cutting and joining fabrics
- Using simple tools (needles, glue, scissors)
- Pattern recognition and design
- Expressing ideas through tactile materials
Pupils enjoy creating felt collages, weaving, fabric painting and threading beads.
Lower Prep
In Lower Prep, pupils begin to engage with structured textile projects, often linked to other subjects, where we focus on designing and making functional textile items. The aim is to develop skills in:
- Basic hand sewing techniques (running stitch, backstitch)
- Fabric selection and design planning
- Introduction to sustainability and upcycling
- Evaluating finished products
Upper Prep
In Upper Prep, Textiles becomes more technical and design-focused, with greater independence.
We focus on combining creativity with practical skills and aim to develop skills in:
- Using sewing machines safely
- Pattern cutting and construction
- Exploring cultural and historical textile traditions
- Understanding fibres and fabric properties
Senior
Senior pupils are able to take Textiles at GCSE.
In the Senior school, Textiles and design projects focus on advanced design, sustainability, and innovation.
Pupils learn to:
- Complex construction techniques
- CAD for textiles and digital embroidery
- Research and analysis of fashion and textile industries
- Portfolio development and critical evaluation
Pupils also enjoy field trips to the V&A Museum amongst other displays and are able to particular in costume design for our own Ballard Productions.
