What is it?
This course develops your skills and understanding of a wide variety of textile media. We offer you opportunities to explore various dying techniques including traditional cultural practices such as shibori and origami. Printmaking and exploratory mark making techniques extend your creative practice and students are encouraged to explore a range of modern and traditional stitch.
Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?
Personalised projects taught through specialist textiles skills. We have industry-standard textile equipment, Macs, SLRs and opportunities for live briefs, competitions, exhibitions and trips including Manchester, London, Morocco and Paris. Former students have been shortlisted for, and have won, a number of national awards.
What skills will I develop?
Communication skills, resilience, self awareness, collaborative working skills, practical skills within various textiles and fine art media, critical thinking skills, research skills, justification skills.
How will I be taught?
Personal practical skills development time. Class and individual practical demonstrations. Peer and self assessment methods.
How will I be assessed?
60% coursework 40% externally set practical exam.
Teacher expertise
Several years teaching experience at A level. Industrial experience working as a freelance designer. First Class degree in textile design and embroidery.
Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
We often invite contemporary artists to work with our students. Over the past few years we have had several visiting artists working with our students in practical workshops and many ex students visited to discuss current degree courses or their line of employment. Annually we attend the UCAS, “Design your Future” event in Manchester. Visits and trips have included Edinburgh, Liverpool, Falmouth, Verona and New York. Strong links are continuing to develop with several universities including Falmouth, Huddersfield, Cumbria, UCLAN and Manchester through portfolio review sessions, workshops, talks and tours. Students also have the opportunity enter various art competitions, live briefs, community art ventures, enterprise activities and have exhibited their artwork in house and externally at several locations including The Mall Gallery London, The Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, Blackpool Tower and Booths Gallery Lytham.
Where does it lead?
Recent former students have secured roles such as leather wear designer for All Saints, menswear designer for Sainsburys, teaching,trends researcher for Bohoo.com.
Equipment
Students will need to access basic art and textiles equipment at home. Approximately £15.
Examination board
AQA.
Specific Requirements
If you have not studied GCSE Art or textile design at school, you are advised to attend taster sessions and open events.
What will I study?
Personal project themes.
Keep up-to-date with all our exciting projects, follow us on Instagram at:
@blackpool6th_textiles | @blackpool6th_fashion | @blackpoolsixthgraphics_ | @artsblackpoolsixth