Textiles

The Textile Department is run by Mrs Parry Jones (Head of Department) and Mrs Maydon. The Department is supported by two very able technicians, Mrs Wynn and Mrs Lane.

Textiles is taught to Years 7 and 8 for one hour a week.  The girls explore the subject by developing their design ideas linked to a variety of different contexts. Practical skills are taught from the beginning  of Year 7 and all girls become competant on the sewing machine during their first year at St. Mary's. During Year 8 the girls use a commercial sewing pattern for the first time, designing and making a pair of pyjamas.

In Year 9 the girls study textiles  for 2 hours per week for two 8 week blocks. This is set alongside Home Economics and enables the girls to spend more time developing ideas and skills. During Year 9 the girls explore a huge variety of decorative techniques from crazy patchwork, tie dye, machine and hand embroidery, quilting and beadwork are some examples.

In Year 10, students may choose to study Textiles at GCSE Level, at this stage they have 2.5 hours per week on the timetable allocated to the subject. We follow the AQA syllabus which consists of one piece of centre controlled assessment (formerly coursework) which carries 60% the formal GCSE and a two hour written exam wich carries the remaining 40%. The course is exciting and demanding covering topic areas from design, development of ideas, selection of materials, costing, industrial practise, health and safety and marketing. The girls produces superb work and have been involved in fashion shows at London Docklands, Excel Centre and Layer Marney Towers. St. Mary's holds a biannual fashion show at the school.

Many past pupils have gone onto study textiles at A Level and university, and have studied at London College of Fashion, Central St. Martins, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Wimbledon School of Art, Rose Bruford College in Kent to name a few.  Many are now pursuing exciting careers in design, marketing and working in the wardrobe department of West End shows.

The Textiles Department organises trips and visits to museums and manufacturing facilities both in the UK and abroad. Our most recent factory visit was to a Wellington Boot Factory in Northern France and the Nike European Head Quarters in Hilvesum  in the The Netherlands.