About the course
This A Level is included within the following A Level pathways as a RECOMMENDED CORE subject: Creative Studies. It is included in the following pathways as a RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL SUBJECT: Design and Media; Medical Health. However, you can take Textiles and Fashion with any A Level/equivalent combination – there is plenty of choice and flexibility.
This highly practical course is varied, exciting, and demanding. The course is designed to encourage you to develop skills, creativity, imagination, and independence based on personal experience, taught skills, and critical understanding. You will explore, experiment, research, and acquire and develop your skills, knowledge, and understanding in a range of textiles media. You can develop your portfolio in garment/fashion, accessories, soft furnishings, printed/dyed textiles, constructed textiles, textile installation, expressive/fine art textiles, and digital textiles.
The following are some of the techniques available to you in Textiles and Fashion: fabric printing, mono-printing, relief printing, screen printing, sublimation/transfer printing, fabric construction, embroidery and bead embroidery, stitching, appliqué, patchwork, quilting, embroidery, weaving, knitting/crochet, and felting and mixed-media applications.
Year One is dedicated to skills development and working to design briefs. Year Two includes a personal investigation with supporting related study worth 60% of the A Level grade and an externally set task worth 40% of the A Level grade.
You will study the course for 4.5 -5 hours per week and should expect to spend an additional 5-10 hours per week on homework/ private study. (The first year is 4.5 hours and the second year is 5 hours per week). Mock exams are held during the first year (in February/March), but do not count towards the final A Level. Exams for the whole A- level are held in May or June of the second year.
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.
Where next?
This subject can help you to get into a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3/4), HND Textiles (Level 4/5), and a degree in any art and design specialism. It can also lead you into a wide range of careers; costume design, surface pattern design, contour fashion, fashion journalism, styling, interior design, art therapy, buying/retail, colourist, textile technologist, sportswear design, accessory design, knitwear design, conservator, curation, embroidery and artist/maker.
Work experience and employability
You will undertake a wide range of supporting activities as part of your study programme to enrich your skills, employability, progression and personal development. This is done through work-based experiences, enrichment activities and online learning. For example; live client briefs, competitions, exhibitions, trips, and visiting speakers.
What additional resources will I need?
There are excellent studio facilities for drawing and painting with regular access to life models, animation, graphic design, illustration, product design, laser cutting and technology room, print and weave, textiles and fashion, art history and photography including darkroom and digital suites. You will be asked to bring a small kit of textiles and art materials to each lesson, kit lists are issued prior to starting the course. You will be asked to contribute towards materials for final outcomes.
Fees information
This course is free to students aged 16-18.
Students aged 19+ will usually be charged a tuition fee, unless they meet certain eligibility criteria for fee remission. For those paying, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available. For further advice on fees, waivers and loans, please contact the Fees Co-Ordinator at Queens Drive.
Contact
For queries about the course, please contact the course leader: Karen.pau@newcollege.ac.uk
For general enquiries, please contact: enrolment@newcollege.ac.uk