The A Level Textiles course provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop a range of skills in relation to felt making, silk paper making, hand and machine embroidery, various methods of print and surface decoration, fabric manipulation, pattern cutting and garment construction. This is taught initially through a six-week induction period at the beginning of the first year, and then through personal responses to unit themes and externally set assignments provided by the exam board.
Students produce a body of work for all units, following the art process from initial research and starting points, through development and experimentation towards a final response in the form of a finished piece. Alongside their development work, students research a range of relevant artists and designers to gain inspiration for their own creative ideas and themes. Students will also analyse existing designs, extracting techniques and methods of working, which can be mapped onto practical experimentations.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths and English, with at least two at grade 6. You should have a grade 5 or above in GCSE Art & Design or an associated subject such as Graphic Design. In exceptional cases, students will be accepted on to the course without having studied GCSE Art providing they can present a good portfolio of work at interview.
Students will have the opportunity to meet visiting artists to gain a deeper understanding of the design industry and will be working upon live industry led briefs.
We also have links with Birmingham City University & Coventry University, where workshops with portfolio advice and student help is at hand. We also have past Cadbury Sixth Form College students who are currently studying at university on hand to answer any questions regarding higher education.
Coursework
This unit begins with a six-week teacher led ‘induction’ which explores a wide range of media and techniques to inspire the imagination and develop your abilities. This unit covers experimental drawing and painting techniques, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media work including digital experimentation.
This unit allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing outcome/s.
This unit will include a written element as part of your visual investigation. You can explore the theory of art and/or a range of artistic styles that have influenced you in your own artwork.
External Assignment
This unit is an externally set assignment. You will have 15 hours usually after Easter break to create a final piece of artwork under exam conditions.
