This is a two year course with an assessment period during Year 12. It comprises 60% coursework, 40% externally set assignment.

What do I need to study Textiles at A Level?

Students who wish to follow either of these courses need to be self-motivated, creative, proactive and enthusiastic about the subject. Ideally you should have attained at least a Grade 5 at GCSE in Art and Design. Occasionally we do take students on the course without this qualification but students will be expected to submit a portfolio of work and have an informal interview in this instance.

What does the course involve?

Students will produce coursework and an examination unit (externally set assignment) with a controlled test component. Students are expected to:

• Understand and explore the concepts and contexts of the work of contemporary artists, craftspersons, designers and photographers, plus other critical sources such as film, music and literature
• Explore and experiment with a range of materials
• Record from observation including taking photographic images
• Experiment and develop ideas through a range of practical and conceptual processes, working towards a final piece showing clearly how you have been informed by the work of contemporary artists, craftspersons, designers and photographers, plus other critical sources such as film, music and literature
• Present the work in an appropriate context e.g. sketchbook, mounted sheets, virtual folder, website, with an introductory written element
• Produce a substantial final piece (or pieces) of work

Art & Design: Textiles

• AO1 – Developing ideas
• AO2 – Exploring appropriate resources
• AO3 – Recording ideas
• AO4 – Presentation of response

Component 1 project portfolio (60%)

Students will be asked to produce a range of images, artefacts and samples leading into either two dimensional or three dimensional pieces of creative work.

Portfolios will include:

• A selection of thoughtfully presented pieces that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the course of study
• At least one extended collection of work or project, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue. This should demonstrate the student’s ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a final outcome
• Evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials

Component 2 externally set assignment (40%)

Students will choose one question from a choice set by AQA. Students must cover all four assessment objectives thoroughly during the examination period.

Preparatory period – from 1 February 

Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals or models.

Supervised examination – 15 hours

In the 15 hours spread over a week, students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes, informed by their preparatory work.