Textiles A Level

The emphasis of the Textiles course is on developing your own ideas and creativity with constant reference to contemporary practice. It is mainly practical where you can choose to broaden your skills in a variety of textile mediums. When you first start the course you will have an induction where you will take part in a series of workshops demonstrating various techniques and processes including stitch, print, dye, knit and fashion construction, machine and hand embroidery, felt making, surface pattern design, print techniques including mono print, lino print and screen printed fabrics for fashion and interiors.

You will work on your own project, researching and taking inspiration from a range of cultural, historical and contemporary stimuli. All the practical work you undertake is underpinned by critical analysis of appropriate sources.

This is an outstanding department with a lovely working atmosphere and a high level of teaching. Former Textile students have gone onto highly successful careers in the industry both in this country and in Europe.

First Year

You will be introduced to a range of different textile processes and materials as well as giving you knowledge and skills that will allow you to develop your own individual creative working practices. You will study a variety of techniques including constructed textiles, machine embroidery and fashion. Working from a given theme you will develop your recording and research skills whilst being introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary artists. It is an art based course and, as in the other courses on offer, you will be expected to produce observation drawings and designs and to keep sketchbooks of your research and ideas. Towards the end of this first unit you will be given the opportunity to generate and develop your own ideas in response to the work of others and your understanding of the theme, before working towards a well considered final piece or pieces.

Second Year

The emphasis of the second year is on independent study to enrich your own personal work, integrating contextual studies with your personal practice. This can take many forms and is usually a very visual study including some larger pieces of work if it is appropriate.

Students are also encouraged to look at the work of the previous A2 students and apply the same rigorous process of analysis as they would to a professional artist's work. Question papers will arrive in February for you to use as starting points for the end of year examination.

It is 60% coursework project and 40% exam project. It is not a sit down exam.

In addition to the A Level entry requirements of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English Language and/or Maths, you will need a grade 5 in English Language

On completion of the A Level many of our students continue onto the Art, Design & Media Foundation Diploma. You could also progress to university, higher apprenticeship or employment.