TEXTILES
LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: OCR
This is a new course for September 2027. More information coming soon.
This is a vibrant, highly practical course full of colour, texture and pattern.
You will develop creative skills and advanced textiles knowledge.
You will need to be well organised and show commitment to produce strong results.
You will be introduced to a variety of workshops and encouraged to experiment with the techniques which may include:
- Machine & Hand embroidery
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- Fashion illustration
- 3D fabric manipulation
- Surface pattern design
- Printing and dyeing techniques
- Appliqué, devore, embellishment, weaving, felt making and more.
As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4
- GCSE English Language grade 4
- plus three more GCSEs at grade 4
Ideally, you will have studied a creative subject at GCSE, such as Art, Textiles or Graphic Design but this is not essential.
In Year 1 you will record primary observations through drawing and photography. You will reference artists, designers and industry leaders.
The workshops will produce samples that will be developed and presented in a project sketchbook, which provides the foundation for the Personal Investigation project (unit 1) worth 60% of your grade.
Year 2 resumes their personal investigation and includes a ‘related study’ 2000 word illustrated essay.
You will be supported to continue developing your ideas, discover your own style and find their creative voice to produce a final piece that either focuses on a fashion garment or a product suitable for interiors.
Unit 2 is an externally set task, where you develop a personal response to a range of themes set by the exam board. This concludes with a timed 15 hour task. This unit is worth the final 40% of your grade.
Future degree options include Textiles, Fashion, Fashion Communication, or Product Design.
Career options include entrepreneurial start ups, social media content manager, or fashion marketing.