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The main aim of this unit is for pupils to apply their understanding of the properties of materials when designing.
In this unit, pupils tackle a design and make assignment (DMA) on the theme 'A textiles product for a technical purpose'. They design a textiles item for outdoor pursuits, selecting the materials they will use according to their characteristics, and matching them to appropriate making processes. The optimum use of materials should reconcile a number of criteria, including the working characteristics, production processes, environmental and social issues, costs and aesthetics.
Pupils gain the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to carry out the DMA successfully through product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks. They:
- understand that the properties of materials,
eg crease resistance, biodegradability, influence what they select for a design
- select materials and match them to appropriate making processes
- learn how to use heat treatment and finishing processes to change the working properties of materials
- learn about the diversity of one product, eg swimwear, tents, and the influence of culture and lifestyle
- understand how textile materials can be combined to develop specific products and effects,
eg blending polyester with cotton to reduce creasing compared to 100% cotton fabrics, developing smart fabrics, technical textiles, geotextiles
- consider minimising environmental damage, use materials sympathetically, and find out about the importance of reuse and recycling issues
- understand how to test fabric against a specification before going into production,
eg for washability and shrinkage, and how to follow fair test procedures using qualitative and quantitative measures
- learn about the uses of modern materials,
eg microfibres, thermochromic dyes, composites
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