Textiles AS/A Level at Fulston

Applications Open: - Friday 14 November 2025

Applications Close: - 13 February 2026. Applications may be considered after this date but it is strongly advised to apply before this deadline.

Entry Requirements: - Admission to courses - This is based on your needs and staff advice, but you should be aware of these points: 1. You will need to obtain a minimum of six GCSE passes at Level 5 or above including Mathematics and English (a minimum of a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE qualifications in English and Mathematics) and grades 9-6 in their preferred A-Level subjects or nearest equivalents. 2. Subjects have clear entry requirements. You will find these under the course details or from Subject Heads.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices (Internal and External Students)

External Applicants - please click here (This form is for external candidates and parents/carers to book a slot to ask any questions about the admissions process and Sixth Form at Highsted Grammar School). Please be aware that it is first come, first served. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences but this might not always be possible).

Internal candidates - should contact their Head of Year directly.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Design is an exciting specialist subject that enables you to use a variety of methods and materials based on traditional and contemporary practise. The course will invite you to be resourceful, experimental and dynamic in your approach; requiring you to use your creative thinking and skills. You will develop a keen interest in design and making, that responds to a variety of themes and starting points. Outcomes can be fashion, constructed, printed and design based, and will respond to clear starting points and the work of designers, artists and other creative practitioners. The course requires you to write and create practical work that is insightful and well observed; your skills, knowledge and understanding of s or Art are advantageous.

AIMS OF THE COURSE

Textile Design aims to equip you with:

Specialist subject knowledge, skills and understanding

Contextual understanding

Ability to apply traditional and contemporary textile design methods

A refinement of technique, control and manipulation of materials

Component 1: Personal Investigation (portfolio of practical work and an extended response of between 1000-3000 words of continuous prose)

Component 2: Externally set assignment

All assessments are internally marked and externally moderated.

To be accepted on the A Level course a student should have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (or equivalent).

Competent writing skills are very advantageous and, while it is not an absolute requirement, most students would be expected to have a GCSE of at least a grade 5 in English Language. You will have a clear passion to study Textile Design; such as having previously taken visual arts based subject, or shown clear interest through your own studies or hobbies. An eagerness to learn all aspect of Textile Design is also beneficial, including use of drawing, 3D and 2D construction.