Textiles A-level

Grade 4 at GCSE or a MERIT or DISTINCTION at BTEC Level 2 in an Art or Design subject.  Entry may also be made via portfolio/interview, we would love to see examples of your work so make sure you have photographs on your phone that we can have a look at to help you choose the best creative course for you.

Textiles is a predominantly practical subject and you will develop the ability to independently respond creatively to a variety of visual stimuli, researching extensively and recording your observations through drawing and photography to gather a rich source of inspiration for developing your coursework. You will be introduced to a range of textile techniques and materials and then encouraged to fully explore and creatively experiment with these.

You will work mainly independently on your own individual project, however peer reviews and group critiques are a key part in how you learn to develop your confidence and projects.

During the spring term after completion of your introductory projects, you will begin work on your Personal Investigation. An extensive self-directed major project which integrates critical, practical and theoretical work. This gives you the opportunity to develop a project based on your own chosen theme and to work with greater independence, allowing you pursue a more extensive project which continues into the second year of the course and counts for 60% of your final mark.Throughout this major project you will be able to work to your strengths and build on your skills and particular areas of interest, whether that be weaving with recycled plastic or digitally manipulating imagery to screen print with. You will be expected to develop a variety of experimental personal responses and to complete individual finished pieces of a high quality which are supported by an exciting and artistic sketchbook that documents your exploration and development of ideas.

Following the completion of your Personal Investigation, in the second year you will begin work on the Externally Set Assignment (40%). This consists of a range of visual and written starting points that are prepared by the examining board. You will choose one of these and begin a 10-week preparatory period leading to the development of  resolved final work produced in 15 hours (normally three days), under examination conditions in the textiles studio.

When studying Textiles A-Level,  you will be able to take part in visits to galleries and exhibitions in order to gain a greater understanding of historical developments, cultural traditions, contemporary practice and the impact of new technologies within textiles. Visits in recent years have included The Victoria & Albert Museum,Hand and Lock Atelier, and the Knitting & Stitching Show. Opportunities to travel to Paris, Milan, Barcelona and the Venice Biennale have also been offered.

You will need to purchase a trio of equipment packs to get you started on the course. It is not a complete toolbox of everything you need for the course but it is enough to see you through the introductory projects. These are sold as separate packs in reprographics so that you can buy what you need (you may already have some of the equipment so may only need to buy one of the packs)

There is also a Studio/workshop fee of £30 which covers the cost of materials and consumables that are impractical to supply through the college shop, such as screen printing inks, sublimation inks, binder etc. This fee does not entitle you to a limitless supply of materials and all students are expected to check their plans and designs before committing to materials and to minimise waste by thoughtful planning. This is payable via wisepay when you join the college.

WJEC EDUQAS