Are you creative and imaginative? Do you enjoy exploring ideas and looking at things in different ways? Do you enjoy making? If so, you should consider a course in Fashion and textile design. You will enjoy developing your understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills and responding to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you.
The AQA GCSE Fashion and 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 worksheets, supported by critical evaluation and an awareness of contemporary and historical influences.
In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of textile design, such as those listed below:
The way sources inspire the development of ideas, relevant to textile design including:
The ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to textile design can be communicated include the use of:
You will be assessed through two components:
Component 1: Coursework sketchbook which is worth 60% of the final grade.This component is followed from September of Year 10 until January of Year 11. This is made up of several projects, workshops and tutorials.
Component 2: Externally set Assignment (Exam Project) which is worth 40% of the final grade.It from January-April of yr11 preparation time,including a 10 hour timed period over several days/weeks with which to complete a final Piece. Both components are evidenced using sketchbooks and final pieces.
In choosing a creative subject you are developing a wide range of personal and technical skills that will be part of every lesson and integrated ethos e.g. problem solving, independent learning, research skills,critical analysis, evaluation, communication and organisation skills. You will develop skills in personal motivation to meet deadlines. The course has many small deadlines to enable you to persevere and improve the quality of your work as you go along.
Within the context of textile design, students must demonstrate the ability to:
Fashion and Textiles does require you to have a set of basic equipment at home e.g. graded pencils, paints brushes, paper to allow work to carry on beyond the classroom. You can borrow items but only for short periods of time as stock is limited. You can purchase your sketchbook or use a school book. A sewing machine is advised but not essential. Basic sewing equipment and a sewing bag/box.
Fashion and Textiles will provide you with a wide understanding of world issues and expose you to a range of cultural ideas through visual artist research. It will help you to communicate through images, designs and read and reflect on what we see within our society. In capturing life you are capturing history, society and culture.
This qualification can take you on to further study at A level or higher education. Fashion and Textiles is an excellent subject to show an employer your versatility as well as creativity, commitment and diversity. There are many careers that are connected to the visual arts.
You may decide to continue this qualification and pursue one of the following professions…Artist, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Architect. Your teacher will be happy to share knowledge of linked professions with you.
Possible career options from studying Fashion and textile include:
• 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.
