Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Exhibition showcases Design Technology in action
04 May 2018
On Thursday 26 May, the newly built Hexagon was transformed into a sophisticated and elegant exhibition space, celebrating and showcasing our student’s D&T: Textiles work.
The Year 10 Food and Nutrition students designed, made and served a range of colourful and quite delicious hot and cold canapés with, of course, a glass of Prosecco.
The afternoon exhibition opened with our resident String Trio. A big thank you to Miss Williams for her support and Eryna Kisumba, Caitlin Kasumba and Briony Chitty for their delightful musical medley.
For the first time guests were able to not only get up close to and fully appreciate the skilled work and creativity our girls are capable of, but also to be able to see the impressive progression made within the DT: Textiles department; from pyjama construction in Year 7 to the truly stunning bespoke pieces designed and crafted by our A2 students.
In Year 7 the girls begin to get to grips with the design process as well as learn to use the sewing machines, fathoming basic construction methods resulting in pair of cotton pyjamas.
The Year 8 pupils have been having fun with Pop Art. Using inspiration from the art movement, they were assigned to create a print which was a modern take on their idea of popular culture. From their favourite emoji’s to popular celebrities, their designs are varied and innovative. Each cushion beautifully reflected the personality and preferences of its designer.
As technology advances, CAD/CAM is invariably used in all areas of the Textiles Industry. The Year 9s were charged to create their own nature inspired design in the form of a motif. After developing their idea using 2D Design software, they created a range of highly individual bags with laser cut handles; their fabric manipulation techniques were also highly innovative. The range of original and contemporary bags was simply quite amazing.
Our Textiles students at GCSE and A Level have, as ever, excelled in producing a wide range of products to a high standard. Many different sources of inspiration have been employed and visitors were able to see these in their coursework folders and sketch books. The Year 11s’ catwalk demonstrated their ability to translate these innovative ideas into reality. As you would expect, each student modelled their garment with attitude and pride.
Our thanks especially must go to Sam Turner from Jutexpo, who has been incredibly generous with his time and resources. Jutexpo is a company which supplies hessian and recycled polyester bags to major retail outlets. A highlight of the exhibition was the knowledge and confidence with which the Year 10 students shared and explained their design decisions, which had resulted in the production of a wide range of multi-functional rucksack prototypes, based on a live brief provided by Sam.
As ever, many groups of people within EHS had contributed to the huge success of this year’s event. The Food & D&T:Textiles Department would therefore like to thank the Bursary for selling the tickets, the caretaker and site team for all the prompt setting up. Mrs Saddington and Mrs Roberts support with the canapés and the Year 10 Food students for serving so elegantly. Mr Berman’s Technical support, Mr James photography and of course the Textile Technology students for their skill, passion and enthusiasm.
Finally, as a very proud Head of Department, the biggest and most heartfelt thank you must go to the Department team: Mrs Saddington for her calm experienced support, Mrs Harris for her no nonsense phenomenal organisation, Mr Savoury for his input into the Year 9 curriculum application of CAD CAM and lighting and of course to the inspirational Mrs Mooney and Miss Cummings, for their creative and dedicated teaching within D&T:Textiles.
The department has yet again a challenge for next year; to improve upon what was a truly outstanding and stylish evening. We do know, however, that the work of our talented Textiles students will lead the way. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs Syer
Head of Food & Nutrition and D&T:Textiles
Design technology in action
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