Fashion & Textiles
Fashion and Textiles A-level aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the nature and uses of fabrics and textile designs for fashion and interiors.
Exam Board: Edexcel
Continuous portfolio development
The AS-level
The first two units are taken during the lower-sixth year. You take one unit of coursework and one externally set exam.
Unit 1: Creative ideas and practical applications, based on a theme. Studies into colour, pattern, form and texture
Unit 2: Pre-prepared timed assignment, set by the Examination Board
The A2-level
Students who study Fashion and Textiles during their upper-sixth year will take a further two units to gain the A2 qualification.
Unit 3: Written and illustrated personal project with an exploratory creative project
Unit 4: Final pre-prepared timed assignment, set by the Examination Board
Textile design
Fashion garment construction, computer design work, machine and hand embroidery, machine knitting, hand knitting, crochet, fabric manipulation, dyeing and silk-painting are techniques which you will develop to create your design ideas.
Visits to museums and galleries are an important part of your studies and you will make use of the many galleries in Cambridge during the research for your projects. Your work journals or sketchbooks are updated continuously to show all your ideas, thoughts, observations, colour studies, fabric tests and connections with other artists and designers.
No previous knowledge in the subject is required, as an interest in all aspects of Fashion and Textiles is just as important as whether or not you have a GCSE pass in the subject.
It is very useful but not essential for students to have their own sewing machine, to do homework and continue with project work out of the classroom.
Suitable combinations
Fashion/Textiles is accepted by most universities, depending on the A-levels you combine it with and the degree you are applying for.
Art is the recommended subject to pursue a career in design. Business Studies is an excellent choice if you are interested in Fashion Marketing, or English if you might be thinking of a career in Fashion Journalism. Maths and Science subjects are also good options if you are considering studying Textile Technology at a higher level.
After A-level
Past students have gone on to study Fashion Design, Fashion Knitwear Design, Fashion Marketing, Textile Design, Textile Technology, Footwear Design and Fashion Buying as well as Fashion Journalism and Fashion Photography.
