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Textile Design - A Level

St Gregory's Catholic School

Reynolds Lane, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN4 9XL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Monday, 01 September 2025

St Gregory's Catholic School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Please contact the provider directly to apply for this course.

Application Instructions

Applications Open: 3 November 2025 at 9.00am

Applications Close: 31 January 2026 at 5.00pm

Entry Requirements: At least five GCSE's at grade 4 or above. In addition, you will need to achieve specific subject entry requirements for all subjects.

How to Apply - September 2026 entry

Applications will open on Applicaa on 3 November 2025. Please refer to our Course Guide which lists subjects available along with entry criteria - this can be found on our website under Sixth Form Admissions along with our Admissions Policy. Please note our Course Guide for 2025 entry is currently displayed, Course Guide for 2026 will be available shortly.

If you need advice on Sixth Form courses or completing an application, please email sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk or phone 01892 527444.

When applying students MUST enter three subject choices PLUS a reserve - in preference order - one being first choice and four being the reserve.
Please do not enter a fifth choice. Please note some subjects cannot be studied together - these are indicated on the relevant subject page and also in the Course Guide.

Internal Applicants to Sixth Form (current St Gregory’s students)

Our current students will join a Sixth Form Taster Day in September 2025, this is an opportunity to experience Sixth Form subjects and lessons.

All students will receive ongoing support and guidance with the online application process through discussions with dedicated members of staff, subject leaders and members of the Sixth Form team. Students will also receive a session with an external Careers Advisor.

External Applicants to Sixth Form

External applicants will be required to submit their applications via Applicaa using the link provided on the school website on 3 November 2026.

External applicants will also need to complete a Sixth Form Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are Catholic or 'Looked After' children. This can be found on the school website under Learn/Sixth Form/Sixth Form Admissions - Supplementary Information Form 2025-26. This must be returned to sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk by the closing date.

Prospective students may be invited into school for a meeting with the Sixth Form team.

Course Summary

Are you creative and imaginative? Do you enjoy exploring ideas and looking at things in different ways? Do you enjoy making? If so, you should consider a course in textile design.

The Textiles course will encourage you to develop your understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills and responding to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you.

Independent study commitment

This course requires a real sense of curiosity, motivation and a continuous commitment to independent study.

Course Details

Component 1: Personal Investigation

Assessment: 60% of A Level

The initial thematic unit is workshop led allowing students to gain confidence in the studio space and encouraging experimentation with textile materials and processes and through drawing. Students create a strong portfolio evidencing research, clear development of ideas, experimentation and outcomes.

The personal investigation is a sustained piece of work allowing you to develop your own project concept with a clear narrative, evidencing your journey and creative process. This is supported by written material and investigation.

The personal study is a 3,000 word dissertation which forms part of the Personal Investigation.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Assessment: 40% of A Level

The Externally Set Assignment is released to Year 13 in February with a range of suggested starting points. Students are required to select one of the questions from which they lead their own research into contextual sources, evidencing their observations and practical experimentations using a wide range of media. Students work to their strengths, developing and refining their practical skills. The preparatory studies are submitted at the start of a 15 hour timed assessment during which they create their final outcome.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Entry requirements

GCSE: Merit in Textiles or 6 in Art; 5 in English

Your next steps...

Why study Textile Design?

• The Textile Design course offers the opportunity to develop skills over a broad range of textile and fashion techniques and applications, such as printing, weaving, mixed media, digital applications, surface design, embroidery and installation. Practical work is produced by researching and developing ideas using drawing, digital exploration, sketchbooks and work sheets, supported by critical evaluation and an awareness of contemporary and historical influences.

• Sessions are initially delivered in a ‘workshop’ style, encouraging students to develop skills, creativity, imagination and independence based on personal experience, taught skills and critical understanding.

Where can it lead?

• The Textile Design specification directly supports progression to higher education in Art and Design/Fashion and Textiles related subjects, as well as providing all students with a platform to inspire a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, art, fashion and general design.

• Students may wish to go on to study an art based, fashion or textile related degree.

What does it combine well with? English, History, Science, Information Technology, Photography, Art and Mathematics.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.