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Why study Textiles?
AQA GCSE Textiles allows students to cultivate creativity, technical knowledge, and practical skills while preparing to participate confidently in a technological and creative world. Through the textiles specialism, students engage with garment construction, fabric manipulation, decorative techniques, and modern textile technologies. They also consider how wider factors—such as environmental and ethical issues—impact design decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about GCSE Textiles
What will I learn?
Students study core technical principles, specialist textile principles, and designing and making principles. Textile-specific learning includes:
- Sources, origins, and properties of textile materials
- Working with fibres, fabrics, and components
- Techniques such as dyeing, printing, embroidery, felting, quilting, and surface decoration
- Pattern cutting, garment construction, and use of sewing equipment
- Sustainability, environmental footprint, and commercial manufacturing processes
How will I be assessed?
- Unit 1: Written exam (2 hours) — 100 marks — 50% of GCSE
- Unit 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), approx. 35 hours — 100 marks — 50% of GCSE
- The NEA requires students to investigate, design, develop, model, and evaluate a textile product in response to a contextual challenge.
What course will I follow?
Students will follow the AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552) specification.
What equipment will I need?
Standard writing equipment plus basic textile tools such as fabric scissors, needles, threads, pins, and a sketchbook. Students may also bring materials for practical projects.
Where Can This subject Take me?
This course supports progression to A Levels such as Product Design and Fashion/Textiles, BTECs in Art and Design, and creative industry pathways. Potential careers include fashion designer, textile designer, pattern cutter, garment technologist, stylist, interior textiles designer, and more.
How Can I Support My Child at Home?
Encourage independent practice, sketchbook development, and regular review of class theory. Discuss sustainability issues in fashion, support practical experimentation, and use revision guides or online platforms such as BBC Bitesize and Seneca.
