Textiles
WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL TEXTILES?
This is an excellent ‘art validated’ textiles course for those who love being creative with textiles and fashion. You will be introduced to a range of techniques including: printing and dyeing; stitch and embroidery and using fabrics to experiment with 3D modelling. As the course progresses there will be an opportunity to specialise so that you can develop an exciting body of work for your portfolio.
The study of textiles is great preparation for students heading for a career in fashion or textile design or for those who want to apply to an art related degree course. It also combines well with any other subject at the College. You are also able to combine it with any other Art and Design subject.
The textiles area is well equipped with a wide range of equipment and resources providing an exciting opportunity for developing creative and innovative design ideas.
We have very good links with the course leader of the foundation diploma at Colchester Institute and also have many visiting speakers from other universities to give you information about applications and careers.
COURSE CONTENT
The first year of the course consists of an induction period followed by coursework projects. During the projects you will be learning new techniques, looking at the work of other artists and building up your skills and understanding of contemporary textile art. You will also be getting to grips with the assessment criteria and understanding how to develop your ideas to a high A Level standard.
PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2
Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.
The second year of the Textiles course consists of two components: coursework and the exam project. There is a short written element to the coursework. You will be further developing your skills and exploring your personal ideas to a high standard. Your work will be bigger and more ambitious and might also be worn as part of the fashion catwalk during the Arts Festival.
You will produce a portfolio of high level of work to show at interviews.
ASSESSMENT
Coursework is due in at the end of January. From the 1st February you will start your exam project. In May, at the end of the exam preparation, you will be completing a final piece during a 15 hour exam – spread over 3 days.
The coursework is worth 60% of your A Level mark and the exam project is 40%.
MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA
Standard College entry requirements and a minimum of:
| Grade required | Subject required |
|---|---|
|
Grade 4 |
GCSE Art & Design or Textiles (Art Validated) or Graphics (Art Validated) |
|
or |
|
|
Merit |
BTEC Level 2 Art & Design |
For those who have not previously studied a GCSE in Art and Design or Textiles (Art Validated) or Graphics (Art Validated), or a Level 2 BTEC course, it is still possible to be considered for this A Level Art course. You will need to complete an exercise set by the Art and Design Department, details of which you can request by emailing the College Admissions Department, once you have had your college interview. The exercise will need to be emailed to the Admissions Department by 31st May. It is not college policy to enrol on three Art & Design A levels except in very exceptional cases.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL TEXTILES?
This course provides you with the essential skills needed to progress into a career path within the textiles and creative industries. It also provides a suitable advanced level course for other career routes.
Higher Education courses and employment opportunities available to students with fashion and textiles qualifications include fashion promotion, textile management, clothing studies with textiles, fashion and design with marketing/technology, a retail buyer, journalism, garment technology, textile and fashion design.
FURTHER INFORMATION
While many of the resources needed during the course are provided by the College, you will be required to purchase an induction pack. The pack contains some good quality essential materials that will be used throughout the course. Further expenditure is dependent on the selection and nature of your work.