This course will give students the freedom to study a GCSE subject in ways that inspire and bring out the best in their abilities, whilst equipping them with the skills to continue the subject with confidence at AS, A-level and beyond. The flexibility of the way that this course is run means students can tailor their studies to their interests and personal strengths.  Textile design is defined here as the creation of designs and products for woven, knitted, stitched, printed or decorative textiles that might have a functional or non-functional purpose.

What will I study?

In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of textile design, such as those listed below:

art textiles

fashion design and illustration

costume design

constructed textiles

printed and dyed textiles

surface pattern

stitched and/or embellished textiles

soft furnishings and/or textiles for interiors

digital textiles

They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.

Within the context of textile design, students must demonstrate the ability to:

• use textile design techniques and processes, appropriate to students’ personal intentions, for example:

• weaving

• felting

• stitching

• appliqué

• construction methods printing

Use media and materials, as appropriate to students’ personal intentions, for example:

• links

• yarns

• threads

• fibres

• fabrics

• textile materials

• digital imagery

How will I be assessed?

The GCSE in Textile Design is made up of two components, portfolio work and the final exam.

Component 1: Portfolio worth 60% - Internally set and internally marked.

The portfolio work will be created in years 10 and the first term of year 11. You will work on a range of projects and at the end of year 11 you will select their best work and submit this for marking. The portfolio mark will account for 60% of their final grade.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment worth 40% - Externally set theme and internally marked. Assessed through 20 hours preparatory time and a 10 hour controlled assignment.

The final exam will be 10 hours, spread over a period of time and sat at the end of year 11. You will have from the beginning of January to prepare for the exam and complete all their preparation work. You will be given a range of themes/ words by the exam board and you will have to select and investigate one of these for their exam work.

What further career options and pathways are available to you after this course?

On completion of a GCSE course in Textile Design, you could progress to further education in Design Technology, Art, Fashion and Product Design.

Courses at Level 3 include: BTEC Nationals in Art and Design, the Diploma in Creative and Media, GCSE AS Art and Design

Below are a few examples of the many jobs and careers available within the creative sector which need young people with relevant skills:

Interior Designer

Design the layout of an interior space to create a functional, safe and visually appealing space using furniture and decorative items such as colours, lighting, fabric, pictures and more. Interior designers need to be able to read blueprints and plan designs that comply with building codes and inspection regulations.

Designer

Conceptualizes and designs products and materials that create an enjoyable, functional or beautiful experience for their customers. The work of a designer varies based on their position, experience and the industry they are in but can include industries such as fashion design, product design and marketing design.