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Fashion and Textiles

A Level / 2 year Course / AQA

The course exposes students to a creative learning experience which develops and refines both practical and critical thinking skills. A fundamental value is placed on real world experiences and employability whilst exploring avenues of contemporary and traditional textiles with strong commercial awareness. This broad-based course encourages students to work as innovative and professional designers/practitioners, considering emerging trends within the creative field, predominantly fashion and interiors.

More on this course

Areas covered include:

digital print / rust dye / mono print / lino print / knit / hand & machine embroidery / fabric manipulation / weave / heat press / repeated pattern / drawing / shape / quality of line / actual texture / implied texture / composition / colour palette / silhouette / photo shoots / three dimensional textiles / innovative surfaces / portfolio refinement / digital draping onto fashion and interiors.

Students have flexibility in their approach to the subject; portfolios can focus on a specific context to design for industry, which could range from high street fashion prints to gift wrap, wallpaper or illustration. Alternatively, students may take a more conceptual avant garde approach to merge outcomes with fine art principles; playing with obscure materials, processes and scale to question social issues and popular culture.

The A Level Fashion and Textiles course has no prior learning requirements but a GCSE or equivalent in art & design or design technology textiles is recommended.

Teaching and learning methods

This course echoes degree modes of study to establish a specialised studio feel. This is reinforced and supported by regular aspirational and informative Q+A sessions led by visiting professionals. Students also recently exhibited work at Northern Fashion Week the youngest group of students to do so. An ongoing programme of focused visits includes national HE institutions, industry partners and gallery visits; these enrichment opportunities inform studio practice.

Assessment

The course is a two-year linear qualification consisting of two components:

  • Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%), internally assessed and externally moderated
  • Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%), internally assessed and externally moderated.

Skills and Careers Insight

A Level Fashion and Textiles equips you with creativity, technical design skills, and an understanding of fabric manipulation and garment construction. You’ll learn to develop original designs, work with various materials, and gain insight into fashion trends, production processes, and sustainable practices. These skills are valuable in careers such as fashion design, textile design, merchandising, fashion marketing, and even costume design for film and theatre. Whether you want to work as a designer, stylist, or in retail, A Level Fashion and Textiles provides a solid foundation for a dynamic and stylish career in the fashion industry.

Subject Combination

We recommend that students take no more than two visual arts subjects (fine art, graphic design, photography, art, craft and design, fashion and textiles) as we encourage a broad curriculum. Other subjects that combine well with fashion and textiles include media studies, film studies, English literature, history, marketing and business studies.

Fine Art

Graphic Design

Photography

Art, Craft and Design

Media Studies

Business

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

Even if you start Durham Sixth Form Centre with no idea where you’re going, you will get the opportunities to talk about your future and go through it and you’ll know what you’re doing later on.

Alice Robson

Previous school - Belmont School

Durham Sixth Form Centre stood out to me for its amazing choice of subjects. I struggled to find anywhere else that would accommodate all my subjects and my specific combination.

Abbie Clifford

Previous school - Hermitage Academy