Learning practical skills, mastering materials and developing aesthetic understanding
Art and design textiles is a dynamic and exciting course that appeals to pupils who are interested in costume, fashion and interiors. It is a thriving department with excellent facilities including two classrooms with a suite of sewing machines, sublimation printer and access to a laser cutter.
Department Overview
Pupils can opt to study textiles in Year 9 where they are introduced to the sewing machine, working with colour, and manipulating fabric skills. GCSE textiles runs over two years and A-level textiles pupils will usually have studied the subject at GCSE.
Pupils studying for A-level textiles will have a strong creative vision and skills in design as well as an interest in fashion, costume or interior design. This course is highly creative and pupils are able to experiment with a range of media. Skills gained include garment construction, embroidery, print and fabric manipulation.
In the Lower Sixth, pupils are able to experiment through a wide variety of experiences, exploring all elements of textiles: colour, contrast, harmony, pattern, repetition, shape and texture, using a range of media, techniques and processes. In Year 13 pupils create their own briefs and specialise in a particular area or medium.
Pupils wishing to apply to art or fashion foundation courses are fully supported in developing their portfolios.
Beyond the Classroom
The Textiles Department runs a co-curricular programme to give access to facilities and staff expertise throughout the week. Pupils are encouraged to work in the department independently during any of their study periods and during other department opening times. In addition, textiles activities are offered as part of the College co-curricular programme with an opportunity to complete a Bronze Arts Award.
While in the sixth form, pupils identified as G&T or scholars are able to use their skills towards a Gold Arts Award or Practical Extended Project Qualification, extending their achievements in fashion, costume and textiles.
As part of the textiles programme, a strong collaboration has developed between the Textiles Department at Eastbourne College and the Hetzendorf Fashion Institute in Vienna, Austria, including a biennial exchange for GCSE and A-level pupils.
We encourage pupils to take part in national competitions, for example Wool4school and the Royal Ballet and Opera House Costume Design Challenge and Young Fashion Designer UK.
Recent examples of GCSE and A-level pieces. Click on the images to view them full size and high resolution.
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- A close-up of a decorative corset featuring printed text, floral embroidery, gold trim, and colourful illustrations of people in medieval-style clothing. The corset is worn over a yellow skirt.
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- A woman stands against a black background wearing an elaborate, sculptural garment featuring large pleated ruffles in white, gold, and silver colours, with her hair styled and decorated with small gold ornaments.
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- A fabric-covered box decorated with moss, dried leaves, and felt mushrooms in red and blue, each with white spots, creating a whimsical miniature woodland scene.
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- Three embroidery hoops with colourful abstract ocean-themed textile art are displayed on a wall, connected by loose blue threadwork. A small plaque below reads “Lois Hartley Burkill”.
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- An embroidery hoop displays an underwater scene made of blue, green, and red thread, fabric, and netting, resembling coral and sea plants. It’s mounted on a white wall with a mesh wave design extending outward.
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- A girl dressed as a steampunk doll poses with limp arms. She wears a brown and white dress with gear decorations, a white tulle skirt, and a headpiece, with make-up to create a doll-like face and a key in her mouth.
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- A mixed-media portrait features a colourful stitched face on fabric, with loose threads dangling and a vertical row of fabric squares along the left side. The background is mostly white.
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- A black dress form displays a garment adorned with vibrant felt flowers in white, pink, red, yellow, and purple, along with green felt leaves, set against a grassy outdoor background.
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- A display of fashion and textile design projects, featuring mood boards, sketches, fabric samples, and a black mannequin wearing a white and black dress. People observe other displays in the background.
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- A smiling girl in a white dress stands outdoors with arms outstretched, wearing a colourful floral headpiece and large vibrant wings made from paper flowers and leaves. Sunlight shines behind her, creating a joyful scene.
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- A red cropped jacket on a black mannequin is displayed next to a sign that reads Royal Opera House Design Challenge @10 with images and graphics on the sign.
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- Two mannequins display clothing: one wears a bright pink cropped jacket with black buttons and a black flower brooch, the other wears an orange sleeveless top with red accents, set against a wooden wall background.
