Textiles
AS / A2 Textiles
If you like investigating tactile qualities and enjoy working with fabrics and materials creatively then Textiles is the subject for you. It is a very ‘hands-on’ practical course that can be extremely rewarding and is suited to enthusiastic and motivated art students.
Disciplines include dyed textiles, printed textiles, fine art textiles, constructed textiles and fashion textiles. Students will be required to work in one or more of these disciplines.
What Is Textiles?
Textiles involves the creation of surfaces, images and forms, using fabrics and materials. Textiles can be developed into fashion, interior textiles, sculpture and wall hangings. On this specialist Art and Design course you will be introduced to many traditional methods used in textiles. You will also have the opportunity to explore experimental approaches and develop ideas with computer-aided technology.
Whilst the content of the course is very practical it is quite different from GCSE Textiles as the emphasis is placed on an Art and Design approach to Textiles. So you will definitely need to have a keen interest in Art, in general.
Course Structure and Content
During the AS course you will be taught various textiles techniques including hand embroidery, weaving, printed textiles, machine embroidery, appliqué and fabric dying. You will also creatively explore natural and man-made fabrics, paper, wire, tissue, gauze and plastics. As you progress through the course you will learn how to expand on what you have learnt and explore your own personal ideas which will develop into final finished pieces.
The course is made up largely of practical tasks, however you will be expected to make notes and analyse art and design works which relate to your own projects.
Demonstrations and practical workshops will be used in the teaching of this subject which will allow you to become familiar with processes and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to attend visits and take part in workshops by specialist textile artists.
Assessment
All your work will be assessed by your subject tutor. Regular reviews of your work throughout the course will take place so that your progress can be monitored. You will receive written feedback from your tutor, advising you on what to do to improve your grade. At the end of each topic you will submit your work for final assessment.
If you decide to complete the full course and progress onto the A2 level then you will develop your skills further by producing more in-depth and ambitious work.Entry Requirements
You will be expected to have achieved a C or above in GCSE art and design or a Textile based course. It is also preferable if you have a C or above in English as you will have written work to complete.
The Next Step
On successful completion of the course you may wish to progress with your art studies to a higher level and there are a number of progression routes available. The usual route is to study a Foundation Diploma course before applying to do Art and Design at Degree level and we would highly recommend this. However students can, if they wish make a direct entry to University at Degree Level.
Textile Degrees can vary across the country and lead to exciting and rewarding employment. There are degrees in Textiles, Fashion and Clothing, Interior Textiles, Applied Design, Surface Pattern, Costume design and many more. Jobs in Textiles are equally diverse.
