Examination Board: AQA

The course directly supports progression to further and higher education. It provides students with a rich platform to inspire a lifelong interest in Art and Design.

Assessment:

This is a Linear A level, with all assessment taking place at the end of the 2 year course.

Year 12 terms 1 and 2: Foundation course. Students work on producing a sketchbook of ideas and experiments exploring a wide variety of textile techniques and processes. This sketch book becomes an excellent resource for students and builds and develops textile skills and knowledge in preparation for component 1 and 2 of the A level.

Year 12 term 3 to year 13 term 2: Component 1: Personal Investigation into a theme of the student’s own choice supported by written material 1000-3000 words. This contributes to 60% of A Level.

Year 13 terms 3 to 5: Component 2: Externally set assignment- preparatory work plus a 15 hour practical examination.

This contributes to 40% of A Level.

Skills Acquired:

• Visual recording of experiences and observation, awareness of textile design; shape, colour, texture, pattern, harmony, contrast and /or repetition.
• Development of knowledge and critical understanding of the work of others in textiles and design.
• Exploration through a variety of textile methods including printing, fabric construction, embroidery.
• Visual culture; how images and artefacts relate to their social, environmental, cultural and ethical context.

What kinds of students are most suited to this course?

Students should have gained at least a grade 5 in GCSE Textiles. Students should know how to use a sewing machine confidently and be able to demonstrate  a variety of activities and hobbies undertaken outside of school that show indicative and interest in this choice of study. If a student is not studying GCSE Textiles, he or she should seek advice directly from Mrs Warwood as to their suitability for this course.

Students must have a desire to learn and explore topics thoroughly through investigations and analysis. This course enables students to develop personal responses to their experiences, environment and culture in both practical and theoretical activities. Students should be imaginative, have creative flair and practical aptitude.

What Higher Education options might this course lead to?

• Fashion design
• Textile design
• Decorative arts
• Knitwear design
• Illustration
• Interior design
• Buying and marketing
• Fashion and Textile management
• Journalism
• PR and advertising
• Marketing and communication
• Fashion Business