Textiles A Level

Textiles
What is this course about?

• This course aims to give students experience and expertise in working with a range of textile techniques and an understanding of the work of a range of textile practitioners.
• The AS units are mainly practical, at A2 you will produce a written personal study in additional to developing your practical skills further.

What topics will I study?

At AS:

• First unit practical coursework. This involves developing a visual language and responding to a set theme. Practical techniques explored will include stitching, slashing, weaving, felting, appliqué, bonding and transfer printing. Research into the work of inspirational designers will require you to develop creative language skills.
• unit requires a response to an exam board set theme. This will be planned during lessons. The outcome will be produced during an 8 hour timed exam.

At A2:

• Third unit. Coursework requiring a personal brief in response to a set theme. You will develop practical outcomes that can have a fashion, interior design or fine art application, and a written personal study. New techniques explored will include printing, dying and mixed media.
• Fourth Unit requires a response to an exam board set theme. This will be planned during lessons. The outcome will be produced during a 12 hour timed exam.

How will my work be assessed?

• Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year and written and verbal feedback given.
• At the end of the year all units are internally marked and externally moderated.
• Marking is done with reference to 4 set assessment objectives.
• The first two units will determine your AS grade and if you decide to continue to A2 the combined marks for all four units will determine your A level grade.

Frequently asked questions

What skills do I need to succeed?

• Good practical skills in terms of gathering visual sources and using textile materials and techniques.
• The ability to be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other artists and designers, and making connections to your own work.

What knowledge do I need to succeed?

• The course will introduce new textile techniques assuming you have not used them before. This will also help you to build on previous knowledge.
• A general interest in other areas of art and design is an advantage and a particular interest in textiles is essential.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

• You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A* - C including Art and Design or Textiles. Students who do not have Art and Design or Textiles GCSE will be invited to college to do a short practical task before being accepted on the course.

What are the lessons like?

• A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, research tasks, discussions, group and individual critiques.
• For much of the course you are working on individual, practical, ILT or research based tasks.
• 1:1 support is available to all students.

What have I got to do to do well?

• Be creative and inventive with textile materials and techniques
• Manage time efficiently to complete all practical and research tasks
• Learn by exploring the work of other artists and designers
• Keep your eyes open for inspiring sources at all times.
• Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

What students say about this course

• "I liked the fact that we were all working from the same theme but producing very different outcomes".
• "I am surprised at the way my work has developed and intend to study textiles at a higher level when I finish my A levels".
• "I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere during lessons; we are frequently given individual advice on the development of practical ideas".
• "Doing homework when it is set has helped me to keep up to date on the course, I am proud of my sketchbooks and textile pieces".

What do people do with A level Textiles

• Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an HE course. Some universities will accept students onto a Textiles degree with A levels and a portfolio, but many prefer students to complete the Foundation year.
• Career opportunities exist in fashion design, fashion illustration, textile design, marketing, trend prediction, interior design, fine art and craft areas, teaching, and research or museum work. Students can go on to work for companies or as freelance.
• Textiles A level can also accompany other subjects and contribute a qualification to unrelated HE applications and career paths.

Will there be any significant costs related to this subject apart from normal stationery?

Textiles materials pack £50, fabrics £15, day trip to London £15 and European trip (optional).