Why should I study this subject?
GCSE Textile Design is new to Bridgnorth Endowed and is a creative, hands-on course where you design and make using a wide range of textiles, fabrics and materials.
You’ll develop your own ideas through drawing, research and practical experimentation, exploring techniques such as weaving, printing, dyeing, stitching, surface pattern and embellishment. As part of the course, you can investigate exciting areas including fashion, soft furnishings, digital textiles and textile art.
The course encourages you to think creatively, solve problems and build strong practical skills. You’ll research and respond to inspiring artists and designers, record your ideas visually, experiment with materials and refine your work to reflect your own personal style.
If you enjoy being creative, working with your hands and expressing your ideas visually, GCSE Textile Design is an inspiring and rewarding subject choice.
What will I study?
Learners are required to choose one or more area(s) of study:
- Constructed textiles
- Digital textiles
- Dyed fabrics
- Printed fabrics
- Fashion design
- Installed textiles
- Soft furnishings
- Stitched and/or embellished textiles
Work is not limited to one area of study.
How will I be assessed?
The exam board for art is OCR and assessment is broken down into two components, as follows:
Component 1: Coursework
- This is the coursework element of the course, often called the portfolio. The work develops over the two year course and is usually displayed in a sketchbook.
- Worth 60% of final mark
Component 2: Examination
- Pupils have ten hours to complete a final piece of work and can use any media of their choice. They will have a choice of starting points from which they choose one, then have several weeks to experiment with media, develop ideas and make sure they are thoroughly prepared for the exam.
- Exam duration: Ten hours
- Worth 40% of final mark
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
No. All students sit the same exam and study the same content, with questions designed to allow achievement across the full range of grades (9–1).
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
Yes. The Art Department runs trips to art galleries and there is also a GCSE Food and Art Trail trip to London.
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
Yes. GCSE Textile Design is excellent preparation for post-16 study. The course helps you build a strong creative portfolio while developing key skills needed for A Level and vocational courses in Art, Textiles, Fashion and Design. You will learn how to research, develop ideas, experiment with materials and techniques, and refine your work independently — all essential skills for further study.
GCSE Textile Design also develops confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills that are valued across a wide range of post-16 pathways, both creative and academic.
Do you have to do much writing in GCSE Textile Design?
Yes. You would be expected to write evaluations about your own work as well as research and write about the work of historical and contemporary textile designers. This is to support your practical work.
Do you have to be good at drawing to take GCSE Textile Design?
Whilst drawing is a key element of the projects’ starting points, it is not the only technique used. Throughout the course, we help pupils to experiment and develop skills with a range of other media, materials and processes.
What are the next steps?
To study GCSE Textile Design, you will need to choose it from the Option 4 block. For further information about the subject, please email
