Art - Textiles Design

Taught at CRHS

Details of the Examination Specification

WJEC 2653 U1 - 1653 U2 - 1653U3 A-level 

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? 

A GCSE in Textiles is not essential for success at A Level if a student has done an Art & Design or Graphics course. Smaller class sizes provide regular one‑to‑one guidance, helping students develop both practical and technical skills. Most of the course is taught through hands‑on, practical experimentation, combining designing and making skills with key theoretical understanding. This approach encourages innovative problem-solvers.

What will I learn on this A Level course? 

Textiles Design aims to develop creativity and imagination through experimentation with a broad range of techniques. In Year 12 students have plenty of opportunity to develop a range of design and practical techniques that include; textile construction, printing, fashion, illustration, fabric manipulation, computer aided design, dyeing processes and fine art decorative textiles.

Throughout the course, students will conduct three of their own practical investigations based on a chosen concept or theme. This includes contextual research into art, fashion, and textiles across history and popular culture. Each investigation leads to a finished textile outcome or a series of related textile pieces that are showcased at CRHS’s annual Art & Design Exhibition at the end of year 12 & 13.

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

This course is ideal for students who are inquisitive, imaginative, and creative. The ability to communicate ideas through sketching, sampling, and modelling is beneficial, as are basic drawing skills, time management, and having an eye for photography and composition. Students will have plenty of opportunity to develop all these qualities throughout the course. Textiles will complement other creative subjects and can be studied alongside a range of related specialisms.

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

Unit 1: Personal Creative Enquiry

Coursework

40%

Unit 2: Personal Investigation

Coursework

36%

Unit 3: Externally Set Assignment

15‑hour timed exam

24%

The timed assessment is a practical exam completed in the Textiles classroom following a 16-week research, development and investigation period.

What can I do after I complete the course? 

A recent UK study highlights that people with design skills are increasingly in demand across many sectors, with design no longer limited to traditional creative roles. An A Level in Textiles develops a strong set of transferable skills, alongside a solid base of technical knowledge suitable for progression to Degree‑level study. We have a strong track record of QE2 students achieving high grades enabling them to secure places on their chosen courses or to begin careers across the Creative Industries.

Potential career pathways include Fashion journalism, Costume design, Theatre and set design, Stylist, Garment technologist, Interior Designer, Fashion illustrator, Digital media, Visual Merchandiser, Marketing, Fashion photographer, Fashion Buyer or Brand / Fashion Designer.

The Creative Industries remain one of the largest contributors to the UK economy, offering diverse and expanding career opportunities.