A-Level

D&T: Fashion & Textiles

East Barnet School > Education > All EBS Courses > KS5 > D&T: Fashion & Textiles
Fashion and textiles swatches on a table
D&T: Fashion & Textiles

Entry Criteria

Maths GCSE

Grade 5

D&T Subject GCSE

Grade 6

Speak to staff if not studied at GCSE

Careers

Designers are in high demand, offering strong graduate employment prospects, especially in fields like aerospace, travel, fashion, and industry. Even if you choose a different path, the skills developed here will make you highly sought after across various industries. High earning potential: As a graduate, you can start with an average salary of £24,000, with experienced professionals earning up to £80,000 (National Careers Service). International opportunities: Designers have the chance to work globally, helping design and create city infrastructures or work on diverse projects for top companies like Mercedes, BP, and Airbus. Improve the world: Use your skills to solve real-world problems and contribute to society through sustainable design. Career options include product design, set design, fashion, graphic design, photography, and many others.

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Course ID
OCR H405
Faculty
Design & Technology
Department
Design & Technology
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
C. Roncarati
Head of Department
C. Goddard
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
D&T: Fashion & Textiles

Course Overview

Our A-Level in Fashion and Textiles offers exciting, hands-on exposure into the world of fashion design and textiles. This course centres around designing, analysing, and creating fashion products and accessories, with a strong focus on materials, processes, and emerging trends. It provides a realistic glimpse into how the fashion and textiles industry functions and equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a creative and competitive field.

This engaging and practical course covers essential skills such as identifying client requirements, analysing existing products, and considering the implications of broader issues like sustainability and social impact. Students will learn design thinking and communication, explore the properties of materials, and understand the technical and aesthetic choices that bring ideas to life. From understanding complex manufacturing processes to ensuring health and safety in the workshop, the course provides a comprehensive foundation in both the creative and practical aspects of fashion and textile design.

Throughout the course, students will complete a final ‘design and make’ project, where they will apply their skills to create an original, fully developed product, showcasing their manufacturing abilities and attention to detail. This project allows students to explore various techniques and technologies, pushing their creativity while ensuring their designs are viable and functional.

By the end of Year 13, students will take a technical examination that tests their understanding of key concepts, preparing them not only for further education but also for real-world careers in the fashion and textile industries. With this qualification, students will be well-prepared for roles in fashion design, textile technology, product development, and other areas that demand both creativity and technical expertise.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

Designers and design movements theory.
Focussed making task – bum bag.
Theory of materials and manufacturing.

Mini projects
Autumn 2

Pattern manipulation and theory – top.
History of fashion.
Drawing and designing skills including CAD.

Mini projects
Spring 1

Theory of materials and manufacturing to create structure.
Tea light lamp shade project – designing through modelling.

Mini projects
Spring 2

Start NEA (coursework). Includes identifying possible problem areas, primary user’s and stakeholders.
Theory of materials and manufacturing.

NEA
Mini tests

Summer 1 NEA (coursework). Includes relevant primary and secondary research, key requirements and initial thoughts.

NEA
Mini tests

Summer 2

NEA (coursework). Includes relevant primary and secondary research, key requirements, initial thoughts and development.
Exam prep.

NEA
Mock exam

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

NEA (coursework). Development of design work and modelling.
Theory through product analysis.

NEA

Autumn 2

NEA (coursework). Final development model made, final design / technical specification produced. Plan for making.
Exam preparation – analysing questions.

NEA
Spring 1

NEA (coursework). Making of final outcome.
Testing and evaluating final product. Modifications and marketing suggested.

NEA
‘A’ Level mock exam

Spring 2

NEA (coursework). Complete all work. Improvements made.
Recap and review theory work covered over the course.

NEA
Summer 1 Exam preparation through questions and product analysis  
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra

YouTube (How It’s Made); Technology Student.

OCR Design & Technology for AS/A Level; My Revision Notes: OCR AS/A Level Design & Technology: Product Design 

The V&A; Textiles Museum; Design Museum; any technological events e.g. The Big Bang.

Lunchtime and after school clubs that support classwork. CAD support at lunchtimes and after school.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
YouTube (How It’s Made); Technology Student.

OCR Design & Technology for AS/A Level (Hodder); Essential Maths Skills for AS/A Level Design & Technology (Hodder).

The V&A; Textiles Museum; Design Museum; any technological events e.g. The Big Bang; The Repair Shop (BBC 1 and 2).

Lunchtime and after school clubs that support classwork. CAD support at lunchtimes and after school.