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A-Level Textile Design

We are delighted that starting in September 2024 we will be offering A-Level Textile Design. Whether you are looking to hone your skills for a future creative career or are looking for an art-based subject to add to your A-Level programme, our Textile Design course is excellent for whatever your ambitions may be.
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overview

What is textile design?

Textile Design will allow you to explore your creativity through a range of textile techniques including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and fabrics. By the end of the course you will have produced a portfolio of textile work.

You will also develop an understanding of real world contexts and the creative process in different industries that use textiles. You will also produce an 1,000 word thematic essay explaining the context in which your chosen portfolio exists.
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HOW IS IT STUDIED?

Textile Design is taught in small groups with an emphasis on guided practical work. You will explore a range of genres including garments, fashion, accessories, soft furnishings, printed and/or dyed textiles, constructed textiles, textile installation, expressive textiles, and digital textiles.

Throughout the course, emphasis is on your creative process, and visits to local and national art exhibitions are woven into the course to expose students to a range of styles.

Teachers offer practical advice or ideas to allow students to begin their exploration and then students develop an original and personal response to a theme, artist, or idea. Teachers will support you as the work progresses, offering you a critical response and helping to establish what techniques will be employed to achieve an excellent final piece.
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HOW IS A-LEVEL TEXTILE DESIGN ASSESSED?

Marks Type of assessment Weighting Format
120 Non-exam Assessment 60% Personal Investigation



Related Study - Thematic Essay (included in Personal Investigation)
80 Externally set task 40% 15 hours non-exam assessment


Exam Board: OCR

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WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY IT?

Although Art of Textiles at GCSE or iGCSE would be helpful, it is not essential. Students need to possess some practical skills, although specific techniques are developed through the course. An interest in fabrics and an understanding of the practical issues involved in creating and using fabrics is a benefit.
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WHAT SHOULD I STUDY WITH TEXTILE DESIGN?

Textile Design can be studied with any subject. The nature of the subject means that it can expand any subject combination by offering a more creative approach and a practical course of study. It can support applications to Art degrees and Art Foundation courses.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A-LEVEL TEXTILE DESIGN?

Many students go on to Art degrees, Art Foundation courses, or courses in Fashion and Textiles. Oxford Sixth Form College students have gone on to study at Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London (UAL), and Falmouth University amongst many others. The One-Year Foundation course builds on the A-Level and allows students to explore a wider variety of artistic skills. You can also find applications for the skills learnt in Textiles in a wide range of industries.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSE

  • Is it possible to study Textile Design if I haven't done it for GCSE?
    Yes, you do not require a Textile Design GCSE to be able to study it for A-Level. Just some practical skills and a desire to learn!