Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
If you want to express your creativity in ways that can be applied to areas such as textile design, surface design, interior design, fashion and constructed textiles, then our Textiles A Level course could be for you.
This course offers the opportunity to develop skills over a broad range of textile and fashion techniques and applications, such as screen printing, weaving, knitting, mixed media, digital applications, surface design, stitch, drawing, dye techniques and collage. Your practical work will be produced by working through a design process, researching and developing ideas using a variety of digital and non-digital skills which you will document in your sketchbook, supported by critical evaluation and an awareness of contemporary and historical influences.
Our students say they love the independent working time they get after they have learnt new skills in our rooms full of industry standard equipment. If you’re interested in applying to study a degree-level art and design course, we offer one-to-one portfolio sessions to help you select the best work to show at interviews. Norwich University of the Arts also come in to discuss portfolios and interviews to ensure that you are well prepared for your next step.
You will take part in a series of workshops to understand the equipment we have on offer including sewing machines, computers for digital design, a knitting machine, looms, a heat press, printing press, screen printing facilities and a natural dye station. You will also benefit from guest speakers talking about the design processes they use. Previous students have heard from textile artists Debbie Lyddon and Louise Richardson, as well as taking part in a workshop with milliner Bridget Bailey.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will need to achieve grade 4 or above in any art or design subject at GCSE. If you did not take an art or design GCSE, you must have a portfolio approved after interview as a condition of offer.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed on two components across the two years. For component one you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total marks. In component two, you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total marks.
Course Progression
The course helps you to prepare for the next step in your creative career. Many students go directly on to degree courses at university to study Textiles and other visual art disciplines such as decorative arts, knitwear design, fashion, fashion management and textiles.
Where Your Course Can Take You
You could consider a career working as a fashion designer, fabric technologist, costumer designer for theatre, film, or TV, a visual merchandiser, stylist, product designer or retail buyer.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
