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Level 3
Textile Design A-level
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Textile Design course offers the opportunity to develop skills over a broad range of textile and fashion techniques and applications, such as printing, weaving, knitting, mixed media, digital applications, surface design, embroidery and installation. Practical work is produced by researching and developing ideas using drawing, digital exploration, sketchbooks and work sheets, supported by critical evaluation and an awareness of contemporary and historical influences. Textile Design course content: • Fashion design • Fashion textiles • Costume design • Digital textiles • Printed and/or dyed fabrics and materials • Domestic textiles, wallpaper • Interior design • Constructed textiles • Art textiles • Installed textiles Drawing and other materials or processes. At the core of any textile art and design related practice is drawing. Drawing is an essential skill in the development process, from initial visual research, recording from primary sources, through to the translation of ideas into finished designs. Contextual understanding and professional practice. Students should incorporate contextual investigation and translation as inspirational starting points for their textiles development work. They will consider the work of others and use understanding gained to inform the progression of their own personal creativity. In addition it is important that students are aware of current trends in textile and fashion design and development in order to be aware of current trends. When undertaking work in textile design, students will be required to engage with: • A range of materials and tools used for textiles processes and, where appropriate, digital processes. Approaches to textile design including the ways in which colour, texture and pattern evoke emotional responses. • The application of textile design to the development of design ideas. • The appropriateness of the chosen media and the ability to realise the full potential of their ideas through the techniques employed. • Historical and contemporary themes and sources within the context of the chosen disciplines. • A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, research tasks, discussions, group and individual critiques. • For much of the course you are working on individual, practical tasks or research based tasks. • 1:1 support is available to all students.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 4 in English Language and a grade 4 in an Art based subject. A general interest in other areas of art, design or interior design is an advantage and a particular interest in fashion, textiles fine art or sculpture is essential. Any practical skills gained in GCSE Art and Design or Creative Textiles will be useful. The course focuses on the creation of textile surfaces that can be made into fashion or fine art outcomes. It is therefore not similar to GCSE DT Textiles although the ability to use a sewing machine and make garments could be useful, but is not essential. The course will introduce new textile techniques assuming you have not used them before. This will also help you to build on previous knowledge
Textile Design is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects and be transferable skills that are looked upon favourably by universities and employer. Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an HE course. Possible degree options • Constructed textiles • Contemporary textiles • Costume design • Digital textiles • Fashion design • Fashion promotion/ merchandising • Footwear design • Printed textiles • Sportswear design • Surface design • Textile design • Textile science and technology • Theatre design Possible career options. Studying a textile design related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: • Textile technologist • Colour trender or stylist • Costume designer • Creative director • Digital textiles designer • Fashion designer • Fashion illustrator • Fashion journalist • Fashion stylist • Interior designer • Museum/gallery conservator • Pattern cutter • Retail buyer • Teacher or lecturer • Textile designer • Theatre designer • Upholsterer • Wallpaper designer Career opportunities exist in fashion design, fashion illustration, textile design, marketing, trend prediction, interior design, fine art and craft areas, teaching, and research or museum work. Students can go on to work for companies or as freelance designers.
Component 1: You will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. This will consist of a portfolio of work supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total mark. Component 2: You will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which count for 40% of your total mark. Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given. At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated. All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board set criteria. Develop ideas Explore media. Research, record, analyse, review Present outcomes. You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.
TBC
• Good practical skills in terms of using textile materials and techniques in an experimental and inventive way. • Be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other artists and designers, and making connections to your own work. • Good observational skills, the ability to recognise interesting sources of inspiration.