Design and Technology (Fashion & Textiles) at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing products of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
Imaginative practical work is at the heart of this specification. Students will develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products. They will explore, design, create and evaluate innovative solutions in response to realistic design contexts. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the core technical, designing and making principles for fashion and textiles. There is a greater focus on fashion than in previous specifications making it more appealing and relevant for higher education (HE) and a career in fashion.
The course extends and develops the study of GCSE Design Technology Textiles and allows students to refine specialisms and skills. The depth and breadth of study is designed to engage the student and guiding towards achieving unique, innovative and challenging practical outcomes. These can be collated into a portfolio suitable for submission to colleges and universities offering fashion, textiles and clothing technology related courses. Design Technology Fashion and Textiles is also a suitable A Level for students who have worked with textiles as part of an Art GCSE.
Non examination assessment (NEA) forms major part the course and requires considerable personal commitment. Access to sewing machine at home is strongly recommended as practical work will form part of independent learning tasks. NEA consists of a single design and make activity.
The course includes several exciting visits - a Savile Row tailors and a biennial visit to Milan, Italy (numbers permitting).
This is a linear course based on the design and manufacture of textile products:
• Core technical principles
• Core designing and making principles
• Additional specialist knowledge
Assessment of the course is:
· 50% exam (maths and science contribute 15%) across two papers.
· 50% non-exam assessment (NEA) for AS and A-level.
General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: The normal requirements for entry into the Sixth Form at MGGS are at least six full course GCSEs at Grade C or Grade 5 or above, including English Language and Mathematics. At least four of these subjects must be at Grade B (or Grade 6).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade B (or Grade 6) in the subject to be studied at A Level. If students are intending to study a subject at A Level that they have not studied at GCSE level, they will be expected to demonstrate their ability in other relevant subjects. Please note that the range of subjects available is limited for students without a Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature.
Subject specific GCSE requirements:
Grade B or above in a GCSE Design and Technology or GCSE Art Textiles.
From September 2017, MGGS will be offering two pathways at the start of Year 12. These are:
Pathway 1: 3 A levels to completion plus participation in the Sixth Form Extra Programme
Pathway 2: 4 A levels to completion plus participation in the Sixth Form Extra Programme (For students achieving at least 8 A* or A / 9-7 grades)
Decisions on whether students do pathway 1 or 2 will not be made until after GCSE results are published in August 2017. Very occasionally, students may have the possibility of changing from pathway 2 to 1 during sixth form depending on progress and individual aspirations.
Please list four subjects in preference order. These will be your three A level choices and the fourth will be considered a reserve choice.
If you wish to be considered for Pathway 2, please list five subjects in preference order. These will be your four A level choices and the fifth will be considered a reserve choice.
We will assume that students who only list four subjects are applying for Pathway 1 and students who list five subjects are applying for Pathway 2.
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Maidstone Grammar School for Girls directly.