GCSE Textiles

It is a creative, vibrant and popular course at Beauchamp College that feeds perfectly into Key Stage 5 study. Textiles students are encouraged to develop their skills in a wide range of materials, techniques and processes. Lessons are energetic and full of enthusiasm. With students experimenting and exploring a variety of traditional and modern techniques, conducting research into past and present fashion designers and looking at iconic designs, styles and movements that inspire the ever changing world of fashion.

Examination Board
AQA

Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio 60% Component 2: Externally set assignment

Textile design is defined as the creation of designs and products for woven, knitted, stitched, printed o decorative textiles that might have a functional or non-functional purpose. The course allows students to grow in confidence in a creative environment enjoying and engaging in the projects chosen. Students will have the opportunity to write and develop their own project focus to suit their own interests, influences and career opportunities within the field of textile and fashion design. Individual tutorials and regular written feedback is given to support and aid learning whilst generating a real love for the subject.

Unit Content
The course is comprised of two units, Component 1, a portfolio of work and Component 2 which consists of an externally set task.

The portfolio has been developed to encourage students to explore their own interests and become creative and imaginative with their work. Students will build up their textiles skills and techniques through a range of trials and experiments based on their responses to a gallery/ museum visit early within the course which will help them produce a sustained portfolio developed in response to a given brief. Skills built up within the year range from looking at surface decorations, building on their sewing machine skills to the complete construction of their own garment designed within their portfolio.

The externally set task is provided by the exam board and will be delivered during the latter part of year 11. The exam consists of a 10 hour practical assessment for which students will plan and prepare for based around their set theme.

Career Progression
The GCSE Textiles course will equip students with the key skills and understanding to further develop and progress onto A level Textiles. There are a vast range of University courses available within Textiles and fashion for students wanting to study this at higher education, a few being Fashion buying, Fashion design, Management, merchandising, Textiles promotion and marketing, contour fashion and many others.

Past Beauchamp students have gone to a variety of universities studying different courses including the London college of Fashion

Extra Curricular
Twilight and lunch time clubs are offered on a weekly basis throughout the year to actively encourage coursework progression, individual growth and interest within the subject and gain additional teacher guidance and support.