This course concentrates on the skills and knowledge required to design and make high quality fabric or art pieces, accessories or clothing items.

To do well in this course you should enjoy working practically with fabrics and you should be interested in textiles, art installations or working with fabric to create a range of outcomes. You will become familiar with a wide range of equipment and processes such as computerised sewing machines, over lockers, flat lockers, digital cameras and scanners.

You will learn about and how to use various surface decoration techniques, such as, batik, stencilling, dyeing, silk painting, embroidery, iron on transfer and sublimation printing. You will develop your experience, skills and knowledge, which will enable you to design and make art or fashion items and attractive accessories.

How the course is assessed: 

All students must complete both components.

Component one - portfolio

• A portfolio which covers all assessment objectives. Evidencing the design process for an idea from initial ideas to final outcomes.
• No time limit
• 96 Marks
• 60% of GCSE

Component two - externally set assignment

• Students will produce a body of work relating to the externally set subject title. This will include coverage of all four assessment objectives
• Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time
• 96 Marks
• 40% of GCSE

GCSE textiles with art and design is an ideal preparation for the A Level textiles and art and design courses.

Career opportunities

Students often use this experience to enrol on fashion design, fabric design and art & design courses.