Is this subject right for me?

Do you like experimenting and being expressive with ideas and materials?

Are you good at time management?

Do you enjoy practical work and learning about artists?

Are you motivated in Art & Design, and enjoy taking risks with ideas/techniques?

Are you good at using your creativity to develop personal ideas and responses?

Do you love the visual arts and have dedication?

Can you respond productively to support and positive criticism?

This course introduces the processes, skills, concepts and ideas associated with textile design. The emphasis is on the expressive and creative use of materials and does not include traditional garment making and pattern cutting. Both traditional and contemporary techniques are explored, including blockprinting, batik, feltmaking, hand-dyeing, weaving and other constructed textile methods. Integrated into the course is the study of other artists and designers. An awareness and understanding of the work and ideas of others is essential in helping to inform and develop creative work. Projects are designed to introduce new skills and encourage independence, self-expression and inventiveness. Enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment are essential. The Visual Arts Department consists of two light and spacious Art studios, a Textiles studio, two large well-equipped Photographic studios and two darkrooms. Each studio has PC’s and Photoshop software for computer aided design, experimentation, research and image manipulation.

Studying Textile Art can lead to a career in Textile Design or Fashion and Textiles and can also be used to enrich a portfolio of work for Art College and for courses such as Art foundation. Students are given advice about courses and careers in Art and Design, and every year within the department three-quarters of our students go on to study Art or Art-related courses in Further and Higher Education. AS Textiles can be studied with other creative courses at BHASVIC such as Photography or Art but also goes well with many other subjects.

What is the course content?

Studying AS Textile Art involves:

Dyed Textiles
Processes covered will include batik (hot wax method) and direct fabric painting.

Printed Textiles
You will be introduced to basic block printing techniques including lino, press print and mono printing.

Constructed Textiles
Areas such as felt making, weaving and creative hand-stitching are covered.

How is the course assessed?

AS Textile Art - Year One
For this course you produce 2 'units' of work:-

Unit 1 (50% of AS)
This unit explores a range of media, techniques and processes working to a set theme. Techniques include printmaking, felt-making and design
processes. It also allows you to develop a practical project with preparatory studies leading to a finished piece, and includes researching the work of artists/designers.

Unit 2 (50% of AS)
This unit takes the form of a timed text (5 hours) responding to themes set by the Exam Board plus preparatory studies. It allows you to develop a more personal approach.

You may choose to carry on with AS Textile Art in order to take the full A Level.

A2 Textile Art – Year Two
The second year of study is about building on skills developed during the AS course to produce a creative, mature and technically proficient body of work showing personal commitment, flair and individuality. These 2 'units' involve:

Unit 3 (50% of A Level)
This unit allows you to develop a personal practical project based on a theme. It includes preparatory studies leading to a finished piece.
It involves producing contextual studies which relate your own work to other artists/designers using visual and written elements. You will produce a 3000 word written personal study based on designers/artists who inform your practical studio work.

Unit 4 (50% of A Level)
This unit takes the form of a timed test (12 hours) responding to a theme set by the Exam Board producing preparatory studies and leading to a finished piece of work.

Throughout both courses you will have clear feedback from your teachers about your progress and you will be encouraged to develop your work and ideas outside lessons. Therefore, it is expected that you will have a range of art materials at home and a folder to carry work between home and college.

What are the entry requirements?

The general entry requirements for studying at Advanced level apply.

Other information

Charges are made on all courses in the Visual Arts Department to cover the cost of materials used.

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