Fashion & Textiles

Purpose

This study allows students to undertake more specialised learning in fashion and textiles, preparing them for further pathways such as VCE Art Making and Exhibiting, Visual Communication Design, or vocational studies including Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology. It may also be studied alongside the VET Applied Fashion course. Students develop practical skills in sewing and garment construction while exploring fashion across different historical periods and cultures.

Through this work, students are encouraged to see creativity as a gift from God and to consider how clothing and design can reflect identity, dignity, and care for others. They learn to approach fashion with thoughtfulness and responsibility, valuing cultural diversity and considering the ethical and environmental impact of their choices as part of wise stewardship of creation.

Structure and Content

Students develop skills in Fashion criticism as they describe, analyse, research and evaluate their own designs and those from different cultural and historical contexts. Students will gain understanding of the impact of new technologies and scientific discovery on the practice of fashion, both in the history of Australia and overseas.

Textiles practice - ideas skills, techniques and processes 

Students learn to use computerized sewing machines, digitizing software as well as a range of other software to enhance the production of their textiles practice as well as more traditional methods and practices. Basic pattern construction will also be included to enable students to complete garments that are made to measure – a highly valuable lifelong skill. Students are encouraged to take artistic risks, select from alternative solutions and develop their skills, techniques and processes in textiles to produce items to meet specific requirements. Concepts for specific audiences will be developed and analysed resulting in a product that meets the design requirements. Having experimented with a range of traditional and contemporary textile techniques and processes, it is expected that students will begin to develop a personal style and create their own textile projects from the knowledge and skills attained. A major garment will be produced such as a ‘hoodie’. Students have the opportunity to use DCC alpaca wool to create a product.

Fashion & Textiles is different from VET Fashion 

This course is at Year 10 standard and is more of a general study of textiles to provide students with the opportunity to learn a range of skills. VET Fashion is 4 hours per week from 1:15pm to 5:15pm each Wednesday and is Certificate II standard. It provides more specialist skills in design, patternmaking and garment construction and the fashion industry. Students should be able to confidently create a garment from concept to a finished item at the end of this course. VET Fashion contributes towards an ATAR score.