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Textile Design A-Level

Textile Design A-Level at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021

Qualification: A Level | Exam Board: Edexcel

Textile design is a versatile discipline that involves the creation, selection, manipulation, and application of a range of materials and processes.

Textile Design students are expected to work in one or more of the following disciplines: fine art textiles, textiles for interiors, and fashion textiles.

Students are encouraged to be experimental with their concepts and outcomes. Textile Design can be interpreted as a personal and individual discipline being used to create installations, mixed media constructions, or wall hangings. It can also be directed towards commercial purposes through surface pattern, fashion design, or upholstery.

Textile Design embraces both traditional and non-traditional techniques. Drawing is an essential skill in the development process and to translate ideas, however, it can be interpreted as loose sketching, line work, or illustration. Students should be aware of and apply traditional values of drawing, such as line, tone and shape for sewing, knitting, weaving, and embroidery. Students should consider the application of new technology within the textiles industry and will explore software such Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to support this.

Intertwined with all course content is contextual understanding, research skills, and professional practice. Students will look at a variety of sources to inform and inspire their work such as galleries, museums, trade fairs, fashion shows, exhibitions, films, music, and literature. We encourage students to develop their own professional practice as a creative and will be supported in the development of portfolios, websites, blogs, and business cards.

Textile Design A-Level at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021

Year one content

The first year focuses on a series of skill-based projects focusing on introducing students to the course disciplines; fashion, fine art, and interiors. Students will explore a variety of techniques, mediums and resources that will both broaden their knowledge and prepare them for their second year.

These projects will cover idea development, skills, knowledge, research, planning, techniques, and final production.

Skills include weaving, fashion illustration, embroidery, monoprinting, surface pattern, fabric dyeing, drawing, styling, photography, linocut, sewing, screen-printing, and collage.

This is a linear course which means students will not receive their qualification until the end of the second year. Throughout first year, students are given continuous feedback, tutorial support, and regular assessment so they are aware of their progress.

Textile Design A-Level at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021

Year two content

Component 1: Personal Investigation

Component 1 is coursework based and is weighted at 60% of the total qualification. It incorporates three major elements, supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study of a minimum of 1000 words of continuous prose. This project begins in September and ends in January of the following year.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Component 2 is based on an exam title that students respond to by developing a portfolio of practical work and final outcome(s); this is weighted at 40% of the total qualification. It incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus. The externally set assignment will begin in February each year.

Additional information

What does this subject prepare me for?

Studying on this subject will allow you to transition into employment or progress on to degree-level study of textile design, fine art, surface pattern, fashion design, fashion communication, or interior design.

Entry requirements

Some of our subjects are subject to standard entry requirement and some have additional requirements. Please see below:

Subject specific entry requirements

  • 5 in an Art Design subject (a portfolio of previous work may also be requested)

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 Diploma subject with 1 A-Level
Generic Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021
September 2024

Apply now!

Applications for a September 2024 start at The Bedford Sixth Form are open now! Apply now and achieve great things.

Please note: Applications will close on Friday 31 May 2024. Applications made after this date will be added to a waiting list.

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