Fashion and Textiles - A Level
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.
They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice.
Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
What does the course aim to do?
To introduce students to an understanding of the design and manufacturing processes of modern products. Students develop knowledge and skills by investigating design influences, materials, manufacturing processes, relevant industrial applications and marketing. Students will learn about traditional and new technologies. They will be encouraged to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They will combine practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues.
What will I be studying?
A-level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This course requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge; the main areas have been separated into 3 sections.
Core technical principles
- Materials and applications
- Requirements for product design, development and manufacture
- Design communication
- Digital design and manufacture
- Efficient use of materials
- Health and safety
- Feasibility studies
- Design for manufacturing, maintenance and repair
- Enterprise and marketing in the development of products
Core designing and making principles
- Design methods and processes
- Design Theory
- How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers
- Design processes
- Critical analysis and evaluation
- Selecting appropriate specialist tools, techniques and processes
- Accuracy in design and manufacture
- How to evaluate products, taking into account the views of potential users
- Responsible design
- Approaches to project management
- Design for manufacture
- National and international standards to product design
Additional specialist knowledge
- The characteristics and working properties of materials
- Working properties and physical characteristics of fibres and fabrics
- The qualities given to fabrics by the construction methods used
- The applications of smart fabrics, e-textiles, and technical textiles
- The use of non-fibre and fabric materials in textiles and fashion design
- The use of components and their appropriateness for a range of products
- Industrial and commercial practice
- The use of pattern drafting and toiles
How will I be assessed?
There will be 2 examination papers and one non-examination assessment – NEA (coursework)
Paper 1
What’s assessed: Core technical principles and core designing and making principles
How it is assessed: Written examination: 2 hours
25% of A-level
Paper 2
What’s assessed: Additional specialist knowledge, core technical and designing principles
How it is assessed: Written examination: 2 hours
25% of A-level
Non Examination Assessment (NEA) – Coursework
What’s assessed:
Practical application of core technical principles, core designing and making
Principles and additional specialist knowledge
How it is assessed:
Substantial design and make task
45 hours
50% of A-level
Am I suited to this subject?
Do you have a strong interest in Textiles Technology, Fashion or Interior Design, and are you someone who is questioning the environment around them? Can you be creative, but also consider technical aspects and other influences when developing a new product? Do you have the ability to work independently? Are you able to learn factual information and research new areas of study? If you can answer yes to the above then this could be the course for you.Where will it lead in the future?
This course combines well with many other A-level courses. It links particularly well with Art and Design leading to a variety of design based higher educational courses e.g. fashion, interior, footwear, contour, knitwear, photography, millinery. It also links well with Chemistry for textile science based courses and English if you are interested in fashion journalism.
Job prospects are wide and varied. Future careers could include:
Designer from couture to high street fashion, Textile Scientist for development of new fabrics and/or the care and maintenance of fabrics or products, Garment Technologist, Marketing, Fashion Buyer, Fashion Journalism, Teacher, Colour Forecaster, Pattern Cutters and many more.
Why should I come to Canon Slade to study Fashion and Textiles?
The course will be taught by an experienced specialist teacher(s) with proven track record of examination success. As a specialist subject, it is only offered at a few establishments. It is also a popular subject throughout school as it is taught with interest and enthusiasm.
