Fashion and Textiles O'level

The study area SEC Fashion and Textiles is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

Unit 1: The World of Fashion and Textiles

This unit will enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of the fashion and textiles industry. The unit presents the various careers available in the different sectors of the fashion world to eventually help candidates choose their future career. They will have the opportunity to explore the different roles available in the fashion and textiles industry, and in specific sectors including design, manufacturing, marketing and promotion, and retail. 

Candidates will become familiar with the use and classification of fibres and fabrics. They will also explore the various processes of fibre and fabric production, and properties according to specific end uses. The unit delves into the specific equipment and basic sewing techniques, as a result of which candidates will also gain basic construction skills necessary in the fashion and textiles industry. 

Elementary Health and Safety procedures to be followed within the fashion and textiles industry will be tackled in this unit. Finally, candidates will acquire a basic understanding of the various fashion industry-based presentation techniques in the form of mood boards and illustrations.

Unit 2: Fashion Design and Clothing

This unit will introduce candidates to the knowledge and understanding of the whole fashion and textiles design spectrum. Candidates will be introduced to the History of costumes in fashion design, and the importance of being informed to be creative. They will explore the importance of the formal elements and how these are applied in fashion design. 

The unit also introduces candidates to pattern drafting and the importance this carries in the whole fashion design and production process, being bespoke or mass produced. Candidates will learn about a range of digital software that is used to create surface designs and garment designs in the specialisation.

Unit 3: Ethical Fashion, the Consumer and Soft Furnishings

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to understand issues related to ethical fashion and being an ethical consumer. The candidates will have the opportunity to create an upcycled item of textiles. Through this unit, candidates will understand the various consumer rights and responsibilities, with reference to Maltese legislation. They will also be able to identify the factors that influence consumers’ choice and ways how to redress. 

Candidates will familiarise themselves with the design of a range of textile-based items to create bespoke interiors for living spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. They will be eventually equipped with the basic knowledge and confidence required to undertake their own bespoke interiors enterprise.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the various careers within the fashion industry
• Use sewing equipment and techniques to produce a portfolio following Health and Safety procedures
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different fibres and fabrics, and their impact on the environment
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic properties of fibres and fabrics
• Use various creative textile techniques to create an original item following Health and Safety procedures
• Recognise traditional and contemporary fashion
• Use the elements and principles of design
• Understand the purpose of paper patterns and the use of appropriate software in clothing
• Construct an outer garmen
• Explore issues related to ethical fashion
• Demonstrate an understanding of the consumer in the fashion world
• Create a cushion and a curtain for a living space
• Care for soft furnishings used in a living space