Textile Design

While studying Textile Design students will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of fashion and textile media, techniques and processes and will be made aware of both traditional and new technologies. You will explore drawing and painting skills whilst also being introduced to working with a broad range of textile skills and techniques. Explorations will include surface decoration, fashion, printed materials, constructed textiles etc. You will concentrate on developing strong underpinning of art and design related skills, for example drawing with a sewing machine and applying textiles in an illustrative style, observational drawing, fashion illustration all are very important in the development and recording of all work produced on this programme. This is a linear qualification, which means that students must complete all assessments at the end of the course.

This programme will encourage all students to develop:

• An interest in, and enthusiasm for and enjoyment of Textiles and Fashion design.
• An awareness of the elements of Textile Design, such as shape, colour, texture, pattern, harmony, contrast and/or repetition
• The experience of working with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies.
• Knowledge, understanding and application of Textiles/Fashion and media and Technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures.
• The experience of working with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies.

Many students progress onto a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, and then through to a variety of high profile BA (Hons) Art and Design degree courses including; Textiles, Fashion, Surface Decoration, Interiors etc. Alternatively, many students have progressed directly onto a variety of degree courses at HE institutions, for a range of programmes including Fashion Accessories, Contour Design, English Literature, Art Therapy, etc.

Assessment

There is synoptic assessment in both components of the A-level that provide stretch and challenge opportunities for students as follows:

Component 1: Personal Investigation - 60% of the A level

Students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.

This is a non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre, which will normally take place in June.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (ESA) - 40% of the A level

Students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.