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Textile Design

Exam Board: AQA

Aims

The aims of the course are as follows:

  • awareness of the elements of textile design, such as shape, line, scale, colour, texture, pattern, contrast and/or repetition in relation to the chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • awareness of intended audience or purpose for students’ chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • ability to respond to an issue, concept or idea, working to a brief or answering a need in the chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • appreciation of the relationship of form and function and, where applicable, the constraints of working to a brief.
  • understanding of a variety of textile methods, such as: fabric printing, mono-printing, relief printing, screen printing and laser printing; tie-dye and batik; spraying and transfer; fabric construction; stitching, appliqué, patchwork, padding, quilting and embroidery.

Entry Requirements

Students should have Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English, or the equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education and Grade 6 in GCSE Art or equivalent drawing and painting ability.

Course Structure

Year 1

  • Students are introduced to a wide range of textile techniques which might include: exploring stitching to enrich the surface through hand and machine embroidery, variety of print techniques, applied fabrics, appliqué, weaving, quilting, photo-reactive surfaces, devoré, batik, tie dye and space dyeing, laser cutting, felting, pleating.
  • Students explore a range of materials such as: fabrics, mixed media, recycled materials, plastics, papers, resistant materials.
  • Students are introduced to research techniques and use critical and contextual analysis to support the development of ideas.
  • Throughout the course students should learn how to use a sketchbook effectively and select and present their work.
  • Written analysis for a personal art project of between 1,000 – 3,000 words with artwork.

Year 2

  • Completed personal art work project.
  • Exam project

Assessment

  • Personal project with written work.
  • Exam project.

Careers and Opportunities

The elements of the Textile Design course give students the opportunity to decide whether they would like to pursue a career in garment and textile export houses, textile and fabric manufacturing, branded fashion showrooms, television and film industry, stylist, boutiques, retail chains and knit-wear design.

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Important Announcement: Padworth College Closure

It is with deep sadness that we announce Padworth College will be closing at the end of this academic year. All courses and exams will continue as normal until this time.

This decision does not affect Padworth Summer School, which will operate as planned this summer 2025. Bookings for Padworth Summer School are still open via the below.

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