Exam board: AQA
What will you study?
- Skills building
The first six months build your creative skills in drawing, designing, materials investigation and design mock-ups, alongside the study of artists and designers from history and the contemporary period - Personal investigation
Introduced later in Year 1 and continued to January of Year 2: an in-depth project on a theme of your own choosing, developing a body of preparation work in a sketchbook that results in a final piece - Externally set assignment
From February in Year 2, a choice of projects set by AQA, a period of preparation, then a timed exam to complete a final piece
What happens outside lessons?
Outside the classroom, students studying A level textiles have opportunities to visit museums and galleries, attend Higher Education talks at universities, and take part in full day workshops. Examples of recent workshops include an Interior Design Challenge workshop and a Sustainability in Fashion day. Upcoming planned visits and workshops include visiting MIMA for the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition and attending the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate.
Previous visits have included Paris and London, offering visits to museums and galleries and fostering independence, an essential skill for those considering studying away from home.
“In the Textiles course there are lots of specialism areas and plenty of resources to be able to learn them. My favourite part of Textiles is using the sewing machines to create my own designs”
What subjects go well with Textiles?
Subjects that will complement Textiles Design include Fine art, Drama and theatre, History, Film studies, English literature, and Gold Arts Award. The technical elements of Textiles Design may also appeal to Chemistry and Engineering students who are interested in fabric technologies.
What are the entry requirements?
- General requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
- Subject specific: A portfolio of work. An art-based GCSE is not necessary.