AS and A2 level Art - Textiles

AS and A2 level Art - Textiles

All Art and Design courses provide a stimulating and exciting exploration into the varied art specialisms. You will develop ideas by researching into other artists and be encouraged to examine the world around you visually. You will work through a variety of techniques and learn to work with appropriate media, materials and processes. As an Art and Design student, you will be expected to write about your work, to express personal, creative ideas and produce final outcomes using a range of approaches and methods. You will primarily develop your art in A3 Workbooks; final pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes. It is possible to study two Art and Design subjects as part of your learning programme.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
We aim to embrace the developing world of textiles through the exciting exploration of printed, constructed and dyed textiles; all of which are fully integrated in modern textile design and fashion.

Embedded in the course is a thorough exploration of a wide variety of textile disciplines ranging from machine embroidery, felt making, Shibori, dyeing techniques, weave, knit, pattern design, CAD to name a few; in order to create and design innovative fabrics.

Essentially each unit is based on a theme and you are encouraged to interpret your personal ideas through observations and in depth fabric exploration. Starting points are varied â€" ranging from an organic tactile approach to surface texture, or urban illustrative styles. The fine art content in the course will enable you to understand colour, composition and texture in order to grow visual skills and help develop ideas effectively. Both traditional and contemporary contextual references are integrated into the course from both textile art and fashion.

If you love experimenting with fabrics and mixed media and have a passion for all things tactile, this creative approach to textiles offers an ideal stepping stone to both Fashion and Textile Design degrees. The focus of the A level is to produce wonderful fabrics which can later be interpreted into an innovative final outcome.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Lessons are highly creative and differ from day to day: you may be involved in a practical workshop learning how to Shibori fabric, discussing creative idea development in groups or stitching collaged observations together. Lessons are very interactive and hands on.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The AS units will be:

·Coursework
·An externally set assignment
The A2 units will be:

·Coursework
·An externally set assignment





WHAT MATERIALS WILL I NEED?
Students studying Textiles will need to be prepared to provide some of their own art media and materials as well as workbooks; fabric is available at cost price from the shop. You will be told of the specific requirements when you start the course. A large quantity of work will be completed using a sewing machine, therefore regular access to a sewing machine with free hand embroidery is required.

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH TEXTILES?
You can choose to do Textiles with a wide range of other subjects. It fits particularly well with other creative subjects and with the humanities.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
A level Textiles is accepted by Colleges of Art and Higher Education providers. The majority of students progress onto an Art Foundation course or an Art related degree. A major requirement of any advanced art course will be a good portfolio of practical work.

Requirement
A minimum C grade in GCSE Art and/or Textiles, plus English (language) is recommended. However, students who are keen to do A level Art Textiles but do not have either GCSE Art or English (language) will be considered on an individual basis. For such students, evidence of art work is useful for us to see at enrolment. Enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and persevere are very important, as is spending time out of lessons building up and further developing your work.