What is Textiles?

Unlike D&T Textiles, we believe this course is more artistic and expressive. You might construct fashion garments but you might also make abstract art work, sculptures, installation pieces, wallpaper, or drawings using the sewing machine.

This is a very exciting and adventurous course therefore it is suited to students who are willing to experiment, invent and try new things.

This is not a dress-making course, you are very unlikely to ever use a pattern or an overlocker.

Unlike D&T Textiles, we believe this course is more artistic and expressive. You might construct fashion garments but you might also make abstract art work, sculptures, installation pieces, wallpaper, or drawings using the sewing machine. This is a very exciting and adventurous course therefore it is suited to students who are willing to experiment, invent and try new things. This is not a dress-making course, you are very unlikely to ever use a pattern or an overlocker.

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Specifics

  • Course specific entry requirements

    Grade 5 from Art or Textiles.
    Merit or above if BTEC*

  • Course duration

    2 years

  • Assessment methods

    1 exam project
    1 coursework project

  • Exam board

    AQA

  • Course type

    Linear A-level

  • How you will study:

    You will be introduced to a wide range of textile-based techniques and processes including knitting, hand embroidery, felting, applique, dying, machine embroidery, embellishing, printing, weaving, resist and heat distressing. Using these and elements of textile design such as line, scale, colour, texture, pattern, repeat and tone you will record your ideas and evidence in a sketchbook or folder. This is done through demonstrations, discussions and personal exploration by gathering inspiration from primary and secondary sources as well as looking at the work of other artists. You will establish a textile vocabulary and use specialist terminology to articulate and review your ideas. Projects involve interpreting your inspiration by imaginatively combining techniques and materials to produce samples and outcomes.

Course content summary:

  • Portfolio Component:

    You work and develop ideas using a range of processes, skills and techniques through 3 projects: Abstract Art, Surface Pattern and Illustrative Textiles.

  • Personal Investigation:

    You will develop a practical project which will be supported by a written element of 1000- 3000 words.

  • Externally Set Assignment:

    You will have approximately eight weeks to produce prep work and at the end of this you will produce a final piece of work in 15 hours of unaided, supervised time.

Why choose Textiles at Xaverian College

  • Explore a variety of textures and materials such as fabrics, papers, plastic, wire, yarns and found objects

  • Use your creative skills and imagination

  • There are lots of opportunities for you to explore new techniques whilst improving the textile skills you already have.

What can I do after Xaverian?

Many students go directly to university (many study textiles or fashion design, marketing, promotion or styling). Ultimately jobs related to Textiles could include Fashion Design, Fashion Textiles, Costume Design, Digital Textiles, Printed Textiles, Domestic Textiles, Wallpaper, Interior Design, Constructed Textiles, Art Textiles.

What is expected of me?

This is a time-consuming, fast-paced, coursework-heavy subject which means dedication, energy and enthusiasm are crucial to be successful. Daring to be different and unique is also a helpful quality. You will need to be open-minded to experimenting, trying new things and having your own ideas. Imagination is essential as you will be working independently in response to loosely themed projects. You will have to do additional work to your lessons to make sure you produce enough work and although you don’t necessarily need a Textile GCSE, it is really helpful if you know how to use a sewing machine or other basic textile techniques. It is particularly helpful if you have used a free-hand foot on a sewing machine before you start the course. It will help your grades if you are informed about, and interested in, contemporary textiles, artists and designers. There is lots of inspiration on the Xavtextiles Pinterest account if you wanted to start gathering inspiration.

We have excellent links with Manchester establishments. In the past we have worked with the Whitworth Art Gallery, Platt Hall Costume Museum, Manchester Art Gallery Live Brief “Future Creatives”, international artists and designers, and work placements with local and city-based textile businesses. We are often approached by artists, designers and other agencies based on our successful reputation such as the Runway On The Runway charity fashion project. Along with regular education visits to the Knitting & Stitching Show, Clothes Show and National exhibitions such as Alexander McQueen at The V&A, this provides an immense array of extracurricular opportunities for students. We also run an annual trip to New York.

Why choose Textiles at Xaverian College

  • Explore a variety of textures and materials such as fabrics, papers, plastic, wire, yarns and found objects

  • Use your creative skills and imagination

  • There are lots of opportunities for you to explore new techniques whilst improving the textile skills you already have.

What can I do after Xaverian?

Many students go directly to university (many study textiles or fashion design, marketing, promotion or styling). Ultimately jobs related to Textiles could include Fashion Design, Fashion Textiles, Costume Design, Digital Textiles, Printed Textiles, Domestic Textiles, Wallpaper, Interior Design, Constructed Textiles, Art Textiles.

What is expected of me?

This is a time-consuming, fast-paced, coursework-heavy subject which means dedication, energy and enthusiasm are crucial to be successful. Daring to be different and unique is also a helpful quality. You will need to be open-minded to experimenting, trying new things and having your own ideas. Imagination is essential as you will be working independently in response to loosely themed projects. You will have to do additional work to your lessons to make sure you produce enough work and although you don’t necessarily need a Textile GCSE, it is really helpful if you know how to use a sewing machine or other basic textile techniques. It is particularly helpful if you have used a free-hand foot on a sewing machine before you start the course. It will help your grades if you are informed about, and interested in, contemporary textiles, artists and designers. There is lots of inspiration on the Xavtextiles Pinterest account if you wanted to start gathering inspiration.

We have excellent links with Manchester establishments. In the past we have worked with the Whitworth Art Gallery, Platt Hall Costume Museum, Manchester Art Gallery Live Brief “Future Creatives”, international artists and designers, and work placements with local and city-based textile businesses. We are often approached by artists, designers and other agencies based on our successful reputation such as the Runway On The Runway charity fashion project. Along with regular education visits to the Knitting & Stitching Show, Clothes Show and National exhibitions such as Alexander McQueen at The V&A, this provides an immense array of extracurricular opportunities for students. We also run an annual trip to New York.