Why We Need to Teach Textiles in Schools: Is It Just as Important as Maths, English, and Science?

In today’s increasingly fast-paced and tech-driven world, education often zeroes in on core subjects like maths, English, and science. While these subjects hold undeniable importance, we must ask ourselves: what about textiles? Teaching textiles in schools is not just about sewing; it encompasses creativity, sustainability, cultural understanding, and more. This blog post explores why textiles education deserves a spot in the curriculum alongside traditional subjects.

Why Teach Textiles in Schools?

Textiles offer a unique platform for students to express their creativity. When engaging with fabrics, students learn to design their projects, from choosing colours to creating patterns. This open-ended exploration fosters an environment where creativity thrives. According to a study by the Arts Education Partnership, students who engage in creative activities score higher in assessments of their ingenuity and problem-solving capabilities.

Take, for instance, the practice of upcycling textiles; students can transform old garments into new creations. This initiative not only promotes creativity but also encourages critical thinking as students assess what materials will be useful and how they can innovative ways to construct their textiles.

Students engaged in textile design activities in a creative classroom

Practical Life Skills

Textiles education equips students with practical life skills that they will carry into adulthood. Learning how to sew can lead to self-sufficiency in clothing repair and alterations. Understanding textiles also involves grasping concepts of planning and executing a project from start to finish.

For example, when students design a garment, they must budget for fabrics and materials, plan their time effectively, and follow through with construction. These skills not only foster independence but also enhance organisational and planning abilities—skills that are vital throughout life.

Promoting Sustainability

In our era of fast fashion, the importance of sustainability can't be overstated. Teaching textiles allows students to explore sustainable practices such as using organic materials, reducing waste, and understanding the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Giving students the tools to create clothing and other textiles thoughtfully encourages them to consider their consumption habits.

For instance, students learning about textiles can be encouraged to participate in sustainable practices, such as creating a class project focused on eco-friendly materials. Not only does this teach them about textiles, but it also cultivates a sense of responsibility towards the planet.

Sustainable fabric samples advocating eco-friendly practices

Cultural Understanding

Textiles serve as a gateway to understanding cultural traditions around the world. Each culture has its unique textile heritage, which reflects its history, values, and aesthetics. By studying textiles, students come to appreciate global diversity and learn about different cultures through crafts such as weaving, quilting, and embroidery.

For example, integrating international textile art into the curriculum invites students to explore the textiles of indigenous populations, craft techniques from various countries, and even the stories behind particular fabrics. This exploration fosters cultural sensitivity and social awareness, essential attributes in today’s interconnected world.

Career Pathways

Textiles education isn’t just a hobby; it can pave the way for numerous career opportunities. From fashion design to textile engineering, the field is rich with possibilities. Many students may find their passion in textiles and pursue careers in costume design, set design, fashion merchandising, or interior design.

Furthermore, incorporating textiles education into the curriculum can also open pathways to entrepreneurship. Students can learn to create and market their own clothing lines or accessory collections, thus gaining insight into business skills while honing their creativity.

Fine Motor and Cognitive Skills

Engaging with textiles strengthens fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. Activities like sewing, weaving, or knitting require hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and focus. These skills are not just relevant for textiles; they serve as foundational skills that benefit students in various other areas of learning.

Research has shown that engaging in activities that demand fine motor skills not only helps students in academic achievements but also boosts their confidence. Empowering students to create tangible items greatly contributes to their sense of accomplishment.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Textiles education often involves collaborative projects, teaching students how to work together effectively. Group projects, where students design and create a textile item as a team, cultivate communication and interpersonal skills vital in both academic and professional settings.

In working as a team, students learn how to delegate tasks, share responsibilities, and contribute uniquely to a project. The synergy created through collaboration enhances their learning experience and builds camaraderie among peers.

Students collaborating on a textile design project together

An Integrated Approach to Learning

Teaching textiles is an opportunity for interdisciplinary education. It doesn’t exist in isolation but can enhance understanding across subjects. For instance, integrating maths in measuring fabric or exploring the science behind dyeing processes showcases textiles' relevant educational applications.

Incorporating textiles into the curriculum can make learning more engaging. The hands-on nature of textiles education appeals to kinetic learners and makes abstract concepts tangible.

Keeping Textile Education Relevant

Advocacy for textiles education in schools must also consider the evolving landscape of learning. Teachers and educators should strive to keep textiles visible and relevant in modern curricula. Invest in training for textiles and design technology teachers to stay updated with trends and methodologies.

Supporting initiatives like "Teach Textiles Today" can help maintain visibility and commitment to teaching textiles. By working collectively, educators can ensure that textiles education flourishes alongside other core subjects.

Embracing a Well-rounded Curriculum

The question isn’t whether textiles are as important as maths, English, and science; rather, the focus should be on embracing a comprehensive education that includes all these elements. Textiles education develops skills that are not only applicable in various careers but foster life skills that resonate throughout a child’s life.

Let us advocate for textiles education in schools, ensuring that students gain creative, practical, cultural, and cognitive experiences. By enriching the curriculum with textiles, we prepare students for a multifaceted future full of possibilities.

As we push to keep textiles education visible, educators, parents, and community members must rally behind the cause. It's time for textiles to take its rightful place in our schools, alongside maths, English, and science, to equip students for a brighter, more sustainable future.

How do you think textiles education can shape the future of our students, and should it be given equal importance as other core subjects in schools?