Qualification: A Level Fashion and Textiles (AQA)
Course Tutor: Miss L Dayton
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including a grade 5 in GCSE Fashion & Textiles, Art and Design or 3D Design or by Portfolio.
Course description
This is a two year A level course.
Fashion & Textiles is a practical course that will explore different textile media, processes and techniques. Students can explore a range of areas such as fashion design, print & dye, costume design and interior textiles. Drawing is a fundamental part of the course and this will need to be evident in a sketchbook in a variety of different media. All sketchbook work and constructed pieces will help build a quality body of work for your portfolio.
During the course you will be handling a wide range of materials and learning to communicate your ideas. You will develop construction techniques through a range of workshops and experimentation in projects. Use of a sewing machine will be vital for successful completion of the course so prior knowledge would be useful.
Critical understanding of a brief will need to be demonstrated and explored in each project, ensuring the final project and sketchbook fits the concept of the brief, through research of artists, designers and art movements. Whilst using different textiles media you will produce samples linked to your brief using appropriate techniques and tools such as draping on a stand, felting, batik and construction.
Coursework
Component 1 (60%) - A coursework portfolio based on workshops, a mock project with final piece, and then a sustained and substantial personal investigation on a theme or subject chosen by you, following discussion with teachers.
The personal investigation must be accompanied by an essay.
Examination
Component 2 (40%) In February of year 13, a range of themes or topics as starting points will be set by AQA. You have a period of time through the spring term to develop your ideas by applying your learning from component 1. This component terminates in a 15 hour long practical session, usually across three school days.
Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed and externally moderated.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
With further training or study students go into careers such as fashion design, retail, manufacturing, theatre/costume design, interior design, marketing, promotion and journalism.
This course provides many transferrable skills which can be used in a range of jobs.
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the Fashion & Textiles curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
