Your teacher is probably more aware of the time management issues than you may be. She or he may have taught the MTP before and seen that students can often struggle with planning their time and efforts in order to get the project finished on time. No teacher likes to see a student hand in work that could have been significantly better, had they just had more time (or in reality, got their act together and started moving on the project sooner).
The advantages to having your work finished early, are that:

You can make any adjustments following the feedback that you receive from your advisers (you could achieve better marks, and it all counts towards the HSC).
You will have time to add those creative finishing touches that might only occur to you towards the end of the construction phase.
You will have a clearer head when proofreading your supporting documentation, and will have the opportunity to fine-tune its clarity and presentation.
In the long run, you will have learnt the invaluable lesson of not leaving things, especially big projects, until the last minute.
You won't drive everyone around you (teachers, family and friends) quite so mad, and you will sleep well and feel really good about yourself. Believe me, I've seen it.

I was wondering if there are any extra allowances that may be made in any way if a student has a physical injury that affects the level of achievement in their MTP.

I recommend you contact the Board of Studies regarding this matter, phone: 02 9367 8111.

We were wondering how the MTP is marked, and what the marks are awarded for, i.e. technicality, manufacturing or creativity?

The MTP is marked according to the documentation issued by the Board of Studies. The Textiles and Design syllabus (page 36) outlines the Criteria for examining (marking) the Major Textiles Project. You would also be wise to look at the Marking guidelines, which will give you indicators of the standard of work required to gain maximum marks. These documents, and many others you may find useful can be found at the Board of Studies web site.

If someone was to hand in a series of pieces, how is the overall project marked? That is, is each piece marked individually or as a whole?

The markers are looking to see if you have demonstrated achievement in each area as specified in the marking guidelines. Therefore they are looking at the overall project, not individual pieces. Once you have achieved the standard, you don't need to achieve it again. Also, more is not necessarily better. Making 810 pieces will not gain you better marks if you can demonstrate the standard in one, or if appropriate, a few pieces.

Are there any special allowances for people who live in isolated areas? That is, consideration or marks due to the unavailabilty of resources etc.

You are asked to show creative and/or innovative design in your MTP. This does not mean, however, that you have to have the latest fabrics, trims or equipment at your disposal. You can be creative and/or innovative with a design based on commonly available materials and very simple techniques. It's what you do with it that counts.

What do the markers look for when they are marking a project?

Your MTP consists of two components: the supporting documentation and the textile item(s). In general, the markers are looking to see that they support each other, that they tell the same story. In allocating marks, the markers are guided by the Marking guidelines that specify the standard of work required to gain certain marks. You can see these on the Board of Studies web site.

Is it true that the markers actually unpick sections of our MTP to examine hidden seams?

No, absolutely not! The markers take the greatest of care in the examination of the textile items. The markers are all highly experienced. However, you'd be surprised what can be felt underneath linings, etc.

I understand that when the works will be marked they are not placed on a model of some sort, so is it advisable to include some photos of the final garment actually on a person?

With well over 1000 textile items, there is neither the space nor the time to use models. I feel that a photo is a useful tool to demonstrate the functional qualities of your textile item. Does it work as was intended? Does it fit the body it was made for? It could also serve to identify the item to the supporting documentation. Be aware, however, that the inclusion of photos counts towards your page limit.

Why is the MTP due before the other major works?

The Board of Studies determines the due dates for all aspects of the HSC. For further enquiries, phone: 02 9367 8111.

I know the maximum box size for my major work is 1m x 1m x 0.2 m or 1.2 m x 0.5 m x 0.33 m. If my work is 10 cm longer than the size given for packaging, will I be penalised?

The Textiles and Design syllabus (page 28) gives the maximum volume of the package (0.2 m cubed) and the maximum length of any side as 1.2 metres. If this appears to be a problem for you I suggest you phone the Board of Studies on (02) 9367 8111.

When packaging my item will care and effort in its presentation be considered when continuing my theme? Would this make a better first impression? In other words should I bother?

The textile items are unpacked by clerical staff and the markers do not see the item in the packaging at all. I recommend that you pack your item neatly, safely and well labelled (but not with your name) so as to ensure that it arrives in the best possible condition at the marking centre.

If my MTP is in separate pieces in the packaging box will my instructions need to be put on the inside of the box? Will I need to show diagrams?

It is very important that you provide clear instructions if your textile item requires some sort of assembly before marking. Diagrams would probably be very useful in this regard, and attaching the instructions securely inside the box sounds like a good idea.

At my school, the MTP is due to be finished and handed in a couple of weeks prior to the BOS due date. The students question this practice, however doing it this way allows them to focus on their MTP when they have the time, and then be freer to concentrate on their all-important trials. Click here for further information.

If I am making multiple articles are they marked separately and then the marks averaged?

No, your work is marked as a whole.

Does it affect the marking if the MTP gets creased and crinkled from the packaging?

Everyone is in a similar situation. As long as you have pressed the garment or product well throughout production and have pressed it well upon completion then the only other thing you can do is package it in such a way that creases are minimised. Use tissue paper and pad sections with paper if you think that will help. The markers can tell whether creases are from packaging or from poor production techniques.

What is the highest band concerning textiles? And what mark will you need to go in the highest band?

Band 6 is the highest band in Textiles and Design. As a marker I am not involved in the process of determining bands. Just do your very best, and make sure that you answer all the requirements as thoroughly as possible.

When our major textiles project is marked, does the fact that you have incorporated different materials (one's which are not frequently used) gain acknowledgement, and impress the markers?

The markers will be looking to see that you have demonstrated creativity/innovation and a degree of difficulty in the use of design features and/or specialist fabrics and/or construction techniques. Notice the use of "and/or" above. So yes, you may choose to demonstrate your creativity/innovation and degree of difficulty through the use of materials. Just make sure you do it well.