Design & Technology: Fashion and Textiles

This is a creative, thought-provoking and imaginative course for budding Fashion and Textile Designers. The course will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed. Studying A Level Fashion and Textiles will provide you with the ideal preparation for higher level qualifications in the visual arts and for exciting career opportunities in the fast-moving fashion and textile industry. You will have the opportunity to study and work with a wide variety of fabrics and components used in the design and making of textile products and will work in both two and three-dimensional forms. You will gain an understanding of industrial and commercial practices within the area of design and manufacture and will study the properties of a wide range of fibres, fabrics and construction processes. You will also develop a critical understanding of the influences of technology on textiles alongside studying historical and contemporary fashion, including designers and iconic products. You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing products of your choice. You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. There is also an emphasis on understanding the environmental and ethical decisions and the social consequences of marketing, retailing and manufacturing within a truly global industry. The Design and Technology department is well equipped with the latest ICT technologies, including CAD, Laser Cutters, Sublimation Printer, CNC Embroidery Machine, alongside traditional handcraft techniques.

A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at grade 5 Grade 5 in GCSE Design Technology or GCSE Art & Design (Textiles, Fine Art or Graphics) or a portfolio on application

Written examination 1 - 30% of A Level Written examination 2 - 20% of A Level Non-examination qualification (NEA) 50% of A Level

The fashion and textiles industry generates £40bn per annun in the UK and is the second largest employer and provides a host of career opportunities including fashion, footwear and Accessories design, textile and costume design, garment and textiles technology, pattern cutting, tailoring, embroidery, interior design, surface design, Fashion marketing, merchandising, retail management and fashion journalism to name just a few.