At KS5, students embark on an Art and Design: Textiles A-Level that encourages independence, creativity, and sophisticated technical exploration. Students are given the freedom to decide their own projects, allowing them to pursue personal interests and develop a unique creative voice. The curriculum fosters a more mature and abstract approach to design, encouraging students to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of textile art.

​

Throughout the course, students engage in in-depth research into various themes, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as art history, contemporary design, and cultural influences. They explore these themes through extensive experimentation with a wide range of advanced techniques, refining their skills and expanding their knowledge. Techniques such as creating stencils on CAD for laser cutting and using them for screen printing are introduced, enabling students to integrate digital technology with traditional textile methods.

​

Students also have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, and exhibitions, allowing them to connect their personal creative development to the broader world of contemporary art and design. This exposure helps to deepen their understanding of the art scene, while also inspiring and influencing their own work.

​

The focus of the A-Level course is on personal expression, critical thinking, and technical mastery. By the end of the course, students are expected to produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to research, experiment, and develop ideas into sophisticated textile outcomes. They leave with a strong foundation in both traditional and cutting-edge textile techniques, ready to pursue higher education or a career in the creative industries.