Textiles A Level
Mode of study | Academic A Level |
Duration | 2 Years |
Campus | English Bridge Campus |
Start date | 1 September 2025 |
Course code | TEX-AL (2527) |
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Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and an Art & Design subject. Those who have not studied a GCSE Art & Design subject must demonstrate their skills, interests and abilities through a small portfolio ideally including a variety of media and observational drawing.
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What does the course involve?
A Level Textiles is a specialist subject offered by SCG which is taught by dedicated A Level specific teachers with access to an excellent range of equipment, facilities, and resources. If you have an interest in colour, pattern, shape, texture and enjoy the process of making, then this course will provide an excellent basis from which you can explore and develop your enjoyment of textiles through art, craft, and design.
You’ll learn how to develop creative ideas and how to explore these through textile techniques and processes. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work at the End of Year Show.
You will expand your knowledge by learning new textile techniques which will be used to explore and develop personal outcomes for a variety of set projects. This may manifest as garments, fashion, costume design, digital textiles, printed textiles, woven or knitted pieces, interior design, work made for animation and illustration and fine art outcomes.
Year 1
This year will be used to enhance drawing development and encourage personal research creating confidence in independent, experimental, and creative pursuits. You will be pushed to be curious, experimental and to research a wide range of textile artists and designers to help you develop a mature approach to your own work.
Year 2
A personal investigation using an in-depth study of a specific area will lead to a final piece. This component will include a written piece consisting of 1000-3000 words. The final element of this course is to respond to an exam board question where there are 10 weeks to prepare and then a 15-hour final outcome produced in exam conditions.
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How is the course assessed?
Personal investigation (Component 1) is 60% of the overall A Level grade. The remaining 40% will be derived from the Externally Set Assignment (Component 2), given in February with a period of research to develop ideas, followed by a 15 hour exam to produce a finished textile outcome.
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Additional Notes
Some students use their grade in textiles to apply to a wide range of unrelated courses whilst other students who want to pursue a career within an aspect of the textile industry may apply to courses such as textile design, fashion design, surface pattern design, applied crafts, fashion promotion and marketing, costume design fashion journalism and interior design.
Some students choose to study an Art Foundation course before applying to an Arts degree course.
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Further Information
You will have the opportunity to attend “Create Your Future” a UCAS Art and Design Convention in Manchester, to find out about all creative courses in the UK. There are also other activities such as an annual trip to New York and the Drapers Textile Competition.
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button and then add an additional two or three subjects to make up your academic programme. You can also apply for a second, alternative vocational programme of study via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 260401 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk
Megan Butler
A Level Fine Art (Graphic Communication, Spanish)
Previous Institution: Bishop's Castle Community College
The A Level course is so much more in-depth than GCSE – which is great. I will be taking a gap year and travelling, then I would like to explore Interior Design as a career. My final pieces focused on architecture and windows using stencils and digital art. Digital art is something that I really appreciated learning about.
Rhianne Stubbs
A Level Fine Art (Biology and English Literature)
Previous Institution: Priory School
Art at Shrewsbury Colleges Group is so expansive, it’s not just all about portraiture. Your ideas can be endless and the teachers allow you to explore all forms. I really enjoy A Level Art, it’s something I do at College and a hobby for me at home.
Samantha Shoulder
HNC in Fashion and Textiles
The course has given me great opportunities to explore different fashion and textile techniques with support from experienced tutors. It has helped me advance both my skills and confidence in current industry standards.
Amy Smith
I have learnt many new techniques whilst on the printmaking course with Jay. We have been able to explore individual ideas with just the right amount of support and guidance in a relaxed and creative environment. I am excited to continue printing at home, having discovered a process I love.
Megan Butler
A Level Fine Art (Graphic Communication, Spanish)
Previous Institution: Bishop's Castle Community College
The A Level course is so much more in-depth than GCSE – which is great. I will be taking a gap year and travelling, then I would like to explore Interior Design as a career. My final pieces focused on architecture and windows using stencils and digital art. Digital art is something that I really appreciated learning about.
Emily Cooper
A Level Textiles (Music, Psychology)
Previous school: Charlton School
The College had all the subjects I wanted and I really enjoy textiles. Studying it at A Level teaches you so many new skills. The teacher creates an environment where you can truly explore textiles and you always get the support you need. My favourite skill to learn was free hand stitching on the machine - I could be so expressive and free with it.
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