GCSE Textile students have been given the unique opportunity to work with ‘live’ clients, Tina Pascal of Positive Living, based in Midsomer Norton and Denise Violet who runs her own local textile company, A Bun Can Dance. The brief was to design a range of ideas for re-useable calico bags that reflect Positive Living’s ethos. A project such as this will help students to learn about key industrial practices in place within the textile industry.
Somervale was chosen, by both companies to work with this brief as it was felt that the students at Somervale are positive ambassadors to their school when in the local community and that as a school we positively celebrate our successes and look eagerly towards how to improve; all of which reflect the ethos of the Positive Living Company. Both managers of each company had also seen plenty of good press about our Creative arts and Media status and believed Somervale students would be the best for the job. This, we thought, was great reminder of how Somervale students enjoy their time at school and respect their local community but also a fantastic compliment.
All students in the year 10 class have designed ideas following a tight but clear specification and have come up with some lovely innovative designs to reflect the Company’s ethos and philosophy.
Both Tina and Denise have visited Somervale to speak to the Textile students, see how the designs are coming along and explain what they do within their work but also explain their role in this collaboration. The students will now make up prototypes of their bag designs to see how they will work and function.
Once the designs are up and running three winning entries will be chosen and be mass-produced by Denise Violet allowing all the winners to see their designs come to life. Winning entries will also receive a complimentary Indian Head Massage, a re-usable bag made up to their design and a school- based prize.
Best of Luck, to all students.
