Textile Design

What type of student should study this course?

It is defined as the “creation of designs and products for woven, knitted, stitched, printed or decorative textiles that might have a functional or non-functional purpose” Development and recording of ideas underpin the course, so strong drawing skills are beneficial as a starting point.

What does the course cover?

As the course progresses, students must develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to realise personal intentions relevant to textile design and their selected area of study

Through their own investigations, students will explore visual and tactile elements, such as: texture, pattern, decoration and repetition. They will study the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople in order to contextualise their own work and creative path. Students will explore a variety of textile processes and media, and are expected to refine and modify their ideas in order to produce outcomes which are highly individual and which show the students’ skills to their advantage

What skills do you develop as part of this course?

The AQA Textiles course encourages students to use a variety of techniques including batik, felting, applique, construction techniques and printing, so that they have a broad range of skills to exhibit and select from when producing their portfolios of evidence.

Assessment Structure and components?

Unit 1 - Portfolio of work 60% of the total marks

This is based on work created during the whole of Year 10 and the Michaelmas term of Year 11. Typically, it consists of two larger projects, one chosen and directed by the teacher, and one selfdirected and supported by the teacher.

Unit 2 - Externally set task 40% of the total marks

From seven exciting starting points on which to base this work, students select one topic only. The work on this section will begin between January and February of Year 11, and continues until the examination date in April/May.

Towards the end of the examination period, students will undertake a 10-hour, practical, unaided examination based on their study of their chosen topic. This is marked by the school and then moderated at the school by a member of the examination board.

Next Steps with this GCSE?

This course is an excellent foundation for studying creative subjects at A Level, including Textile Design, Fine Art and History of Art. Studying Textile Design helps to create an inquisitive mind, helps people become risk takers, and assists in developing creative thinking; not to mention refining fine motor skills. These are all hugely transferable skills for many different careers.