Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Teachers' Notes

Resource created by: M&S Archive.

Curriculum Links

  • KS3 Hisory: Second World War
  • KS3 Design & Technology: Design and make

 

Learning Objectives

  • Learn about the history of M&S
  • To find out what life was like in the past
  • Learn how being creative with limited resources can often lead to invention

Discussion  Ideas

  • For what reasons would rationing, of clothing or food, be introduced?
  • How would life be different if clothing was rationed?
  • If you were a clothing designer, how would you adapt your designs to use less materials?
  • Rayon is more commonly known as viscose, and is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp. How many synthetic and natural fabrics can you name?
  • What are the differences between synthetic and natural fabrics?

 

Activity Ideas

  • Research what synthetic fabrics are made from. Looking at the labels on clothes will help you do this.

  • Find an old shirt, jumper or pair of trousers and convert it into a bag by deconstructing / reconstructing the existing item.

  • Provide each student with the same materials and challenge them to create a useful item using only those materials.