Textiles (art)
A Level
WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT ABOUT STUDYING TEXTILES
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE
6+ in art or DT textiles - textiles portfolio may be possible
IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
Textile design is a versatile discipline that involves the creation, selection, manipulation and application of a range of materials and processes in order to produce fabrics for different purposes. Textile designers are expected to work in a multi-disciplinary way to create ideas, concepts, materials and techniques for different applications; for example, in fashion and clothing, there are specialised areas such as lingerie, nightwear, sportswear, accessories or innovative clothing for theatre or film production.
Some textile designers create fabrics for interior applications such as upholstery, bed linens, curtains, wallpapers, carpets and rugs or work more generally as surface designers for vinyl coverings, tiles, leather, glass, packaging, greetings cards and wrapping paper. Textile design can also be interpreted as a personal and individual fine art discipline, being used to create installations, mixed media constructions, tapestries, three-dimensional pieces, applications, soft sculpture and wall hangings.
YEAR 12 AND 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION
In Year 12 students will follow an induction period where they develop integrated knowledge, skills and understanding of the following:
- the creation and development of fashion design ideas, which will include drawing or recording skills, digital designs and the preparation of toiles or samples.
- the appropriate skills to combine and explore a range of materials and approaches
- the appropriate skills of modelling, cutting, joining and embellishing in textiles or a range of appropriate media
- a working knowledge of a range of textile techniques chosen from other textile disciplines including constructing fabrics, dyeing, print making and embroidery
- links to the broader areas of fashion, such as marketing, promotion, photography and styling.
After reviewing their strengths and areas of interest students will be further encouraged towards independent and creative learning through the development of a major project. The may project takes place from May of Y12 until February of Y13. During this project, students will carry out in depth research linked to a theme of their choice, developing practical ideas and test pieces, carrying out market research and product analysis and producing a final practical response. Alongside their practical studies is a written investigation of 1000-3000 words.
From February of Y13 students undertake the Externally Set Assignment developing an independent project based on a theme set by the exam board.
LEARNING AND SKILLS
GENERAL ART AND DESIGN SKILLS:
Students are required to develop the skills to:
- record experiences and observations in a variety of ways using drawing or other appropriate visual forms; undertake research; gather, select and organise visual and other appropriate information
- explore relevant resources; analyse, discuss and evaluate images, objects and artefacts; make and record independent judgements
- use knowledge and understanding of the work of others to develop and extend thinking and inform own work
- generate and explore potential lines of enquiry using appropriate media and techniques
- apply knowledge and understanding in making images and artefacts; review and modify work; plan and develop ideas in the light of their own and others’ evaluations
- organise, select and communicate ideas, solutions and responses, and present them in a range of visual, tactile and/or sensory forms.
Students should also:
- understand how ideas generate starting points for art and design practice and form an integral part of the creative process
- understand how images and artefacts relate to ethical and political contexts
- undertake sustained development and refinement of ideas
- develop their visual language to communicate ideas
- demonstrate skilful use of the formal elements, including line, tone, colour, shape, pattern, texture, form and structure
- record evidence of their progress, in an on–going critical and analytical review
- respond to a theme, stimulus or ideas
- make connections between their investigations and creative intentions
- realise intentions
- produce and present outcome(s).
FASHION TEXTILES SKILLS:
Students will develop integrated knowledge, skills and understanding of the following:
- the creation and development of fashion design ideas, which will include drawing or recording skills, digital designs and the preparation of toiles or samples.
- the appropriate skills to combine and explore a range of materials and approaches
- the appropriate skills of modelling, cutting, joining and embellishing in textiles or a range of appropriate media
- a working knowledge of a range of textile techniques chosen from other textile disciplines including constructing fabrics, dyeing, print making and embroidery
- links to the broader areas of fashion, such as marketing, promotion, photography and styling.
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
UNIT TITLE |
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT |
DURATION |
WEIGHTING |
Unit 1: The personal Investigation |
Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words. The personal study comprises 12% of the total qualification and is marked out of 18. Marks available: 90. |
Evidence can be taken from Y12 studies but the main body of coursework is carried out from May of Y12 – February of Y13. |
60% |
Unit 2: The Externally Set assignment |
Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15–hour period of sustained focus. Preparatory studies will comprise a portfolio of practical and written development work based on the Externally Set Assignment. During the 15–hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment. The Externally Set Assignment is released on 1 February and contains a theme and suggested starting points. Students have from 1 February until the commencement of the final 15–hour period of sustained focus to develop preparatory studies. The 15–hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions may take place over multiple sessions (a maximum of five, within three consecutive weeks). |
Preparation period February – May Y13. Personal response is produced during a 15 hour (3 day) examination period. |
40% |
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES AND WEIGHTINGS
Students must: |
Weighting |
|
1 |
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding |
25 |
2 |
Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops |
25 |
3 |
Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress |
25 |
4 |
Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements |
25 |
Total |
100% |
FUTURE PROSPECTS
All A level textiles students have progressed to university and college courses.
- Foundation diploma in art & design.
- BA (hons) degree courses in textiles, surface pattern, fashion, fashion design and marketing, costume design, fashion and product development, fashion and merchandise management, design and communication and fashion technology.
Careers include:
Fashion designer, buyer, merchandiser, product developer, pattern cutter, textile designer, fashion journalist, print designer, knit designer, visual merchandiser, stylist, costume