Year 12: In the first term we introduce students to a range of textile skills and techniques and build up a design portfolio and practical made fashion or textile outcomes. The second half of year 12 will expand on skills and practices developed. Component 1: Personal investigation: this is a coursework unit where students will develop a personal investigation, produce a design portfolio and final piece based on an idea, issue, concept or era, supported by 1,000-3,000 word essay or written report. This counts for 60% of A level marks and we will work on this till January in year 13. Component 2: we begin this in February of year 13. An externally set practical coursework assignment (exam) with 15 hours’ supervised time, plus preparation. This makes up 40% of A level marks. Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of textile design, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas: • fashion design • fashion textiles • costume design • digital textiles • printed and/or dyed fabric and materials • domestic textiles and wallpaper • interior design • constructed textiles • art textiles • installed textiles You will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of textile media, techniques and processes. You will learn about both traditional and new technologies in textile and fashion design. This will include investigation of a range of resources relating fashion and textiles from the past and from recent times. Your creative responses to your research will be shown through practical and critical activities which demonstrate your understanding of different styles, genres and traditions in fashion and textile design.