YEAR 10 STUDY SKILLS GROUP

The group liked the idea of cooking Christmas lunch and inviting members of staff to eat with them!  They planned their ideal menu: roast chicken with stuffing, roast potatoes, carrots, cabbage, peas and gravy; followed by fruit salad with fromage frais; and apple juice to drink.

Although the chicken had to go in the oven before the lesson started and the potatoes were peeled by some Year 8 pupils, there was still plenty for the group to do!  In twos and threes, they undertook the various tasks: mixing the stuffing, roating the potatoes, preparing the vegetables and cutting up the fruit.  Carla and Rubie laid the tables and Anna did an amazing amount of washing up. 

When Mrs Gregory, Mrs Mandziej, Mrs Alvis and Mrs Howorth arrived, the pupils served the main course.  Mrs Elson was unwell and didn’t stay and Mrs Collins had an unexpected appointment (so her meal was sent over to her later). 

After all the shouting and ordering about (in order to get the food prepared in less than an hour), we enjoyed good conversation and a delicious meal.  The guests were very complimentary about their lunch.  Congratulations to all the Year 10 pupils (Jay, Jimmy, Nick, Leah, Anna, Rubie, Katherine, Carla).

Textiles News - December 2008

Last week saw all the Technology groups change module. Graphic students moved to Textiles, Textiles moved to ICT, Food Technology students went to Graphics.
Students were pleased with their finished items in Textiles. Many are to be congratulated on reaching or exceeding their target grade. Well done!

Year 7 Last week pupils were shown how to use the sewing machine safely. This proved to be very successful and many achieved straight lines on their first attempt at machining! They will now be busy designing their fabric with an animal motif. Once they have block printed their fabric they will use their machining skills to make a draw string bag to hold the juggles.

The juggles will be made using brightly coloured fleece and will be filled with dry rice. Pupils are reminded that they will need to purchase/ or bring from home enough rice to fill the juggles. Once finished there will be a fun session to see who can juggle!

Year 8 pupils are creating brightly coloured cushion covers. The front of the cushion will be created using the technique Batik.  They have created a small piece of Batik to see the limitations of this technique and are now in the design process creating designs which are themed to Africa and India. Present ideas include masks, flowers, elephants, and tigers.
                                                                        
Year 9 – pupils are busy thinking of different themes for their bag panels. The panels will be decorated using Batik, printing, stenciling and appliqué work depending on the pupil’s choice. I am sure year 9 pupils will think of some interesting topics!

Year 10 are still learning and mastering a wide variety of decorative techniques which has included English quilting, Trapunto, Applique, Beading, Loose appliqué and wired appliqué.  The recent challenge has been to create a simple wall hanging using Foundation Piecing. To achieve this pupils are being, allowed to machine on paper, following printed lines in the correct order to create a plant growing out of a coloured flower pot! Photos of their finished work will follow shortly.

Just before the Christmas break they will be given the opportunity to make a simple Christmas card using Foundation Piecing technique. I have already bought some beautiful festive fabrics for them to use.

Textiles News - October 2008

Year 7 pupils have recently finished making their draw string bags which will eventually hold their three fleece juggles. They have all designed and printed their animal motifs onto white cotton drill using the block method of printing.  Animals chosen for printing include bears, spiders, parrots, dogs and rabbits. Once the fabric paint was dry they added details using a permanent fine liner pen. The juggles will be made using brightly coloured fleece and will be filled with dry rice. Pupils are reminded that they will need to purchase/ or bring from home enough rice to fill the juggles. Once finished there will be a fun session to see who can juggle!

One parent has remarked how surprised she was to find out that her son had not bought the fabric but had carefully printed it! Some of these juggles have travelled to France and Spain as they have provided a useful activity when on holiday!

Year 8 pupils are creating brightly coloured cushion covers. The front of the cushion has been created using the technique Batik. Coloured borders have been added to create further interest.  Many are now ready to use the computerized sewing machine to create their buttonholes. Beware – they have been asked to raid granny’s button box for suitable buttons!

Year 9  have begun to make their colourful duffle bags. Each pupil must decorate three panels before assembling the bag which has a circular base and metal eyelets for the top lacing.  Many of these panels have now been decorated by block printing, stenciling and Batik work. Well done Year 9!

Year 10 are currently learning a wide variety of decorative techniques which includes English quilting, Trapunto, Applique, Beading, Loose appliqué and wired appliqué.  The latter technique has proved to be the greatest challenge so far, but they are creating beautiful flowers using brightly coloured organdie and silver pipe cleaners!

Year 11 are progressing well with their coursework. The topics being studied include Marilyn Munroe, London, Cinderella, butterflies, exotic flowers, fairies and robots. All the coursework will be finished by 1st March 2009 so that there is adequate time for revision.

Last year’s Year 11 are to be congratulated on their summer results. 90% of the pupils passed with either grade A,B or C. Some of these pupils made their prom dresses, whilst others made very decorative cushions. One pupils made a wall hanging which reflected her family tree.

Past pupil Stephanie Harrison has gained sponsorship and has now begun a 3 year degree course on Fashion Design. She recently attended Highbury College and at the end of the academic year I was privileged to be invited to see her walk down the catwalk wearing her amazing bridal wear. Superb evening. I wish her every success to fulfill her dream of becoming a fashion designer.