Textiles equips students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual arts throughout their lives, and it has immense value as a GCSE subject.
GCSE Textiles provides the opportunity for students to: explore both contemporary and historical sources of Textiles for example: visiting museums and galleries, take an individual approach to their Textiles, develop the skill of selecting their best and most appropriate work for presentation.
GCSE Textiles sets out to celebrate and explore the many different areas. It allows the student to express themselves in areas such as colour, imagery, fabric selection and pattern and empower students to develop the independence to do so. Students are encouraged to specialise later in the course to focus on their strengths and desired Textiles techniques. Some of these are; embroidery, pattern design, printing, hand/machine stitch, mixed media, constructed textiles, fashion, fabric manipulation and many more.
Research skills are developed through observational studies, photography and annotations. Skills in observational drawing and record are developed using a wide range of Media. Students will be asked to support their research by studying the work of other Artists and Crafts People, allowing this to influence the development of their own ideas, leading to a final piece. Skills such as reviewing and refining ideas are taught, encouraging students to explore and experiment with ideas and materials, building their confidence to try out new ideas and techniques.
The portfolio of work will be based on the overall theme individuals and their environment; however, students are encouraged to develop this theme to become personal and tailored to them to explore the artist’s and art forms they wish.
Textiles consists of two components; coursework which is a portfolio of work (60%) and an externally set assignment (40%) this consists of a body of work and a 10-hour exam (this is taken during school times and with breaks over 2 days). The exam board is Edexcel Pearsons.
Within each component there are four assessment objective students are marked from;
A01: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources
A02: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes
A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses
A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language
Passion and curiosity for the subject and a love of learning about new artists and gaining a deeper understanding of Textiles and all its areas. Being organised every lesson with homework, materials and another equipment required to complete work. To be independent to complete work outside of the classroom and during lesson time to produce work and develop ideas, however a sewing machine is not always a necessity to have at home. Have an open mind to explore a range of techniques and artists to develop an eclectic, well rounded knowledge base and exceptional portfolio. It is important to remember that Textiles does include some written annotations to explore, express and evaluate personal work and that of artists, in the sketchbook.
Equipment and access to art galleries
GCSE Textiles will involve work being completed at home; it is highly recommended that students have access to Textiles materials at home, such as thread, needles, and basic sewing items. As a school we will be providing access to sewing machines in lesson and after school. Visiting Artwork outside of the classroom and to explore a range of Artists and Crafts people with allow students to gain a sounder understanding of Art forms, skills and techniques along with developing their practice and ideas to elevate their work. Trips to Galleries and researching Artists is highly beneficial when possible. Students will need to be able to research Artist’s thought out the course, whether that is via the internet, book and/or gallery visits and will have the opportunity to visit a galleries during the two-year course, letters will be to follow for this trip and materials.
GCSE Textiles provides a strong foundation for further study at AS and A-level as well as vocational pathways.
Future careers
Pursuing Textiles can open a wide arrange of career opportunities with many to choice from. These can range from teaching, , fashion design, textile designer, printmaker, interial desinger, constume designer, pattern creator, illustrator, textile technologist and many more. Even if a future career isn’t in Textiles it can help develop a range of skills that and transferable to other careers and platforms that employers desire which are Creativity, confidence, risk-taking, observation, self-expression, focus, discipline, perseverance, collaboration and open-mindedness