Art and Design (Textile design)

Course summary

Course outline This exciting practical course is perfect for creative students who have a passion for design. It enables them to develop their knowledge and understanding of various skills and techniques required within different areas of art and design. The course allows students to explore their personal interests, as their focus can be on any area of textile design, such as: fashion design, fashion textiles, costume design, printed and/or dyed fabric and materials, domestic textiles and wallpaper, interior design, constructed textiles or art textiles. Through practical explorations and workshops, students will develop projects that explore individually chosen issues, themes and contextual influences. They will learn to turn their designs into reality by developing a wide range of creative skills, refining their ideas and practice as the course progresses. This course is an A Level Art & Design course, with a focus on Textile Design. Two mandatory units are completed over the two years, both of which are made up of practical-based assignments with supporting written work. The first is a coursework style project which is completed over 2.5 terms. The focus for this personal investigation is determined by the students. The externally set assignment is issued in the January of Y13. Students are given a number of briefs to choose from and will develop ideas in preparation for 15 hours of practical exams in which they will make their final piece. This course can lead into many creative University courses, such as fashion, costume and textiles, in addition to visual communication, digital media, art subjects, product design, interior and architecture. It also provides skills and knowledge required for a number of creative apprenticeships and art foundation courses. Lesson structure and expectations The course is taught through skills based workshops and tutorials. Students will be expected to use private study time in addition to the guided learning hours for each unit in order to gain and embed the skills and knowledge required to succeed. Trips are organised to provide primary research opportunities and students are encouraged to visit other fashion exhibitions in their own time where possible. Course requirements A grade 4 in English language, along with a 5 (or equivalent) in a design based subject (e.g. textiles, graphics, product design or art). Next steps The diversity of the course prepares students for a wide variety of apprenticeships, art foundation and degree courses including: Fashion or textile design, costume and theatre design, interior design and other art and design related courses.