Textiles

AQA

If you love making textured surfaces or are interested in Fashion or Interior Design, then this course is for you. Textiles is taught by a practising Textiles artist in a Visual Arts Department where students produce “outstanding” work and progress onto prestigious degree courses.

During the course you will have opportunities to go on study visits and showcase your own work on the catwalk at the Annual Paston Fashion Show and in the Art Show which exhibits work to professional standards.

The course helps you to prepare for the next step in your creative future. Many students go on to university or art school, often directly onto degree courses, to study Textiles and other visual art disciplines e.g. Womenswear at Westminster University, Textiles at NUCA and Footwear Design at London School of Fashion – this reflects the passion that students feel for this subject. Ofsted say that at Paston “the proportion of students successfully progressing directly to arts-related higher education programmes is very good.”

AS Textiles

In AS Textiles you will:
• Take part in workshops to explore ways of making textile surfaces, screen printing, batik, indigo and steam shibori, knitting and felt making, appliqué and stitch.
• Make your own original Textiles and have the opportunity to create items for the 2013 Paston Fashion Show.
• Visit London and other centres to see the work of designers and artists, relevant to your own work.
• Learn the skills to put together exciting sketchbooks and a portfolio which shows your research methods and design ideas.

Assessment

Coursework and one examination (research and experimentation leading to a resolved piece done under timed conditions).

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language, Art/Textiles and Mathematics or a Science.

A2 Textiles

In A2 Textiles you will build upon and use skills and techniques developed on the AS course. You will also:
• Carry out research based on your own choice of starting points. This will include analytical research, experimentation with different samples, and production of a final piece.
• Undertake research for your final project and present your work in the end of year show.
• Visit the New Designer Show in London.

Assessment

One unit of coursework including an extended essay and one exam unit.