A Level - Textile Design

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

You will explore the nature and purpose of all textile processes and discover how ideas develop from initial ideas to finished products. You will work on themes that explore texture, colour, pattern, line and form through experimentation with materials. You will also have the opportunity to explore areas of fashion including design, illustration, garment construction and creative embellishment.

The emphasis of coursework is on individual projects that promote personal interpretation and the development of individual style.

In year one students will receive a series of workshops equipping them with a thorough knowledge of various surface decoration techniques. This includes felting, machining, machine and hand embroidery, applique, screen printing, printing, dyeing, batik and transfer printing. There will be an opportunity to develop an understanding of the construction techniques of products and fabrics. There will be an element of formal observational drawing, design and planning. Students will be required to study Textile Artists and research their work and ideas. Art History research is also an important part of the course. The year ends with a completed sketchbook of skills, research, designs and ideas and a finished outcome made with one or more of the processes learnt this year.

In year two students will research, evaluate, analyse and establish links between their own practical work and the broader art world. Students will also produce a written project linked to practical final outcomes and will develop the ability to identify and resolve creative problems. There will be opportunities for visits and trips to London and fashion shows.

The course has been designed to ensure that not only will your practical artistic skills and abilities be developed, but also your ability to reflect on your own work and the work of others. You will produce supporting studies throughout the course, including a journal that is part sketchbook and part diary. You will be encouraged to experiment broadly and generate lots of ideas for each unit.

This A level gives students the potential to progress to university onto an art related degree course, through a pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The course could also lead to a career in occupational therapy, retail display, textile conservation, fashion design and journalism. It is also relevant for students interested in textiles who do not intend to study it further.

WHAT DO I NEED TO JOIN THE COURSE?

6 GCSEs at 4 or above, ideally with Grade 4 Art and/or Textiles is normally required. However if these GCSEs have not been taken then a selection of artwork and sketchbooks, which demonstrate acceptable levels of skill, will be requested for consideration.

CAN I TAKE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?

We do not recommend combining more than two Art & Design subjects at A level; those wishing to pursue full-time study in Art & Design should apply for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design instead. The following subjects will complement this A level: English Literature, Media Studies, Business Studies and Photography.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

All of your creative, practical and analytical work will be assessed by your tutors and moderated externally. At the end of each year the externally set practical assignment will demonstrate all that you have learnt and achieved.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

There are no charges to study on any of our courses. However you will be asked to contribute to the cost of resources and colour printing.

Art packs to provide sufficient sketchbooks, canvases and MDF boards for the year will be available at cost price, we aim to keep this below £15.

Students should budget for trips to galleries and museums in order to gain maximum benefit from this course. These will take place once a term and we aim to keep the cost below £15 for each trip.

WHAT IS THE DURATION?

This is a two year course.

WHAT IS THE UCAS POINTS TARIFF FOR THIS COURSE?

A Level

Grade	UCAS Points
A*	56
A	48
B	40
C	32
D	24
E	16

 

 

HOW DO I APPLY?

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