Contact : Mrs P Walker

Exam Board & Code : AQA - 2560

Course : 2 Years to full A level

 

What is Textiles Technology A level about?

If you have a passion for fashion and a flair for design, then A Level Textiles is for you.

The subject is designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make textile products and to appreciate the complex relations between designs, materials, manufacture and marketing.

 

Is this course for me?

A flair for design and an ability to work competently and accurately when using a sewing machine. A GCSE in Textiles would be beneficial. The course is quite a step up from GCSE; the theory work is demanding and requires students to be more independent and develop self-study skills.

 

What else do I need to know?

It will be necessary to work in the department after school on a regular basis in order to complete coursework.  There is a voluntary trip to The Clothes Show at the NEC in December for Year 12 students costing between £30 and £35.  Students are expected to provide their own materials for practical tasks. A one-off payment of £10 is asked for at the start of Year 12 to cover the cost of incidental consumables such as thread, interfacing and mock-up fabric used when developing products.

 

What do other students say?

‘It’s a really good course. I enjoy the fact that it involves practical work as well as written work. It’s hands on and it’s fun!’  ‘Textiles is a fulfilling A level subject that entwines the creativity of design with the scientific knowledge of fibres and fabrics. Being able to express your own design ideas in your own individualistic style makes textiles the perfect subject for a creative mind.’

 

Where could it lead?

Further Education: Art Foundation Courses, Btec National Diplomas.

Higher Education: Degrees in Fashion/Fabric Design, Knitwear, Soft Furnishing, Product Design Careers: Fashion/Fabric Designer, Pattern Cutter, Costume/Interior Design, Marketing, Retail or Fashion Journalism.

 

How is this course structured?

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:  Source and classification of fibres. Construction and manufacture of fibres, yarns and fabrics. Variety and use of product components.  Industrial and commercial practices , including the use of ICT, health and safety and environmental concerns. The history and development of design and the role of the designer. Product Analysis is an integral part of the theory work.	2 hour written exam worth 50% of the AS exam. (25% of the A level marks) Section 1:Compulsory questions Section 2: Choice of one question from two Section 3: One compulsory question
AS Unit 2:  Coursework: Approx 50 hours is spent on 3 small projects to include an accessory, a piece of soft furnishing and a piece of clothing. All aspects of designing and making are covered across the 3 projects.	A design folder and 3 practical pieces worth 50% of the AS exam (25% of the A level marks)
A2 Unit 3: Testing and comparing the relative merits of fabrics in relation to their intended use. Manipulating and combining fabrics. Major developments in textiles technology, product life cycle and fashion cycles. Design in the human context and industrial and commercial practices in relation to fabric and product manufacture.	2 hour written exam worth 50% of the A2 exam.  (25% of the A level marks) Candidates answer 3 longer questions out of a choice of 6.
A2 Unit 4: Coursework: Approx 60 hours is spent on a single design and make activity.	A design folder and practical piece worth 50% of the A2 exam (25% of the A level marks)

 

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