Textile Design

Examination Board: AQA

Course Title: GCSE Textile Design

Why should I choose to study Textile Design?

Students considering textiles as an option need to be hardworking and demonstrate an ability to research and explore the work of others at Key stage 3.  If you enjoy a creative challenge, have a passion for responding to the world around you and enjoy exploring tactile materials and processes then this is the course for you.

What will I learn?

The ethos of the CDS textiles course is to give students the skills necessary to create, evaluate and ultimately appreciate artworks from all cultures and of all styles. Students will learn to observe and respond to their own surroundings through their own first hand observations and exploration of materials and techniques. As well as investigating the work and culture of others, students will be introduced to a range of contemporary and traditional textiles processes.   Whether students are working on fashion or textile design we believe that true creativity is seen when students first acquire skills and then gain the confidence to apply those skills using their personal themes and ideas.

What will be expected of me?

Students will be encouraged to express ideas, thoughts and feelings through the realisation of ideas and intentions, exploring in context and to conduct evaluations.  The essence of the course is to be able to develop an idea from its initial source through to a final response.  Students will be expected to document their ideas and experiments in a sketchbook relating own ideas to the work of others through visual and written means.

What skills will I develop?

Initially there will be a reinforcement of basic observation skills as well as an introduction to new textile techniques and processes.  Throughout the course each student will have the chance to develop their skills on a wide range of media, processes and techniques including screen printing, felt making and hand and machine embroidery.  It is essential that students develop their observational skills and conduct research and investigation to inform their own ideas but must be prepared to work out of their comfort zone in order to explore alternative working methods and practices.

How will I be assessed?

Your coursework portfolio forms 60% of your overall mark.  This portfolio will comprise of one exploratory unit and one extended project. Your examinable project forms the final 40% of the grade.  Students will be required to select and develop a body of work over time before producing a final piece in a 10 hour practical examination.

Where will this qualification lead me? 

The creative industries of the world look to the UK for its inspiration and skills. We at CDS have a long history in sending our most able students to art colleges and universities throughout the country. After GCSEs many of our students will apply to the University of the Creative Arts Canterbury BTEC Art and Design course Level 3, before going on to a degree course.