Textiles & Fashion A Level
This stimulating and highly practical course offers a rich, diverse learning experience designed to cultivate your skills, creativity, and independence. Through a hands-on approach, you’ll gain expertise in areas such as surface decoration & embellishment, garment and costume design, accessories, interiors, printed and dyed textiles, fine art textiles, and digital textile techniques.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore a variety of materials, techniques, and processes, developing practical skills through both structured lessons and independent study. These include fabric printing (mono-printing, relief, screen, sublimation, and transfer printing), mark-making, fabric construction (felt-making, patchwork, quilting, weaving, knitting/crochet), embroidery, embellishment, applique, and mixed-media applications.
Year One (AS Level) focuses on skill-building and responding to design briefs, culminating in a portfolio that will be assessed to provide half of your A-Level qualification. A grade of D or above is required to progress to the full A-Level in Year Two (A Level), which involves directed design briefs and an in-depth personal practical investigation, alongside a related written study (60%), and an externally set task (40%).
Classes are held for 4.5 hours per week in the first year and 5 hours per week in the second year. In addition, expect to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to homework and independent study, both at home and in the textile studios. Year Two concludes with a preparatory period starting from February 1st, leading to a 15-hour controlled assessment, during which you will create your final response.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and preferably an Art/DT subject OR an art portfolio which demonstrates your interest in the creative subjects.
Future career and study opportunities
This course will enable you to progress onto a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 &4), HND Textiles (Level 4/5), and/or a degree in any art and design specialism. This pathway can also lead you to many careers in the creative industries including costume design, fashion journalism, styling, interior design, art therapy, buying/retail, colourist, textile technologist, conservator, curation, embroidery and artist/maker.
Work experience/Careers Extra
This course does not contain a specific work experience component but offers other activities to help you develop employability skills, including live client briefs, competitions, exhibitions, visiting speakers and much more. If needed, our Employability Team can help you find local work placements that will support the course.
Additional resources/costs
You will need to bring a small kit of textiles and art materials to each lesson (kit lists will be sent to you prior to starting the course). A contribution towards other materials will also be needed and you will be expected to attend trips to museums and galleries as part of the course. Costs are kept to a minimum but if you are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for equipment grants via student services.
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