A Level Art & Design: Textile Design
In the Art department we offer the following A Level courses:
- Art & Design: Fine Art or Art & Design: Textile Design
- Art & Design: Photography
A-Level Art & Design: Textile Design
A Level Art & Design: Textile Design is a 2-year course with 1 Externally Set Assignment (exam) at the end of the second year.
This course is for students who want to study Art Textiles to a higher level and is ideal for those who want to go on to study an Art related course at University.
Students who choose the Textile Design course will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore textile media, processes and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to investigate a range of art, craft and design and can explore a combination of the following areas:
- Fashion design and textiles
- Costume design
- Digital textiles
- Printed and/or dyed fabric and materials
- Domestic textiles and wallpaper
- Drawing and painting
- Interior design
- Art textiles
- Constructed and installed textiles
The A level Art & Design: Textile Design course is made up of two components that stretch across the 2 years of study:
Component 1 – Personal investigation (60%)
1. Practical work
The Personal Investigation is an extended practical project based on a personal response to a theme or starting point. Students will generate ideas and experiment how to express them through a variety of materials and processes. They will develop and refine their ideas through experimentation and research into different techniques, styles of art and textiles and the work of other artists and designers. Students document their explorations through the use of sketchbooks/workbooks/journals and larger scale pieces.
2. Personal study
This is a separate piece of critical and analytical writing (1000 words) making links to the student’s own Personal Investigation, and supported by artist and designer research and references. Through the personal study, students will demonstrate understanding of relevant social, cultural and historical sources. Students will also express personal interpretations or conclusions and use technical and specialist vocabulary.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (40%)
This is an externally set assignment from the exam board. Students will produce another practical project in the same manner as their Personal Investigation, developing their skills to a higher level in response to a starting point set out in the exam paper.
Students will be expected to submit all their preparatory studies (sketchbook work) and an outcome that will be completed in a Controlled Assessment (15 hours).
Both the coursework portfolio and the exam are marked using the same Assessment Objectives:
- AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
- AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
- AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
- AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
A Level Art & Design: Textile Design Further Information
Art in Year 9
Year 9 prepares students for the challenges of GCSE Art & Design, introducing students to how and why artists create work that communicates a concept and deeper meaning in a prolonged project throughout the year.
During this year pupils will:
- Be able produce creative and imaginative outcomes that critically analyse and question a given theme/concept, working on a year long project working towards a larger final piece, in preparation for work practice in GCSE Art & Design
- Continue to explore a wide range and combination of materials and techniques such as: drawing, portrait and hand drawing, acrylic, oil pastels, watercolour, collage, biro, Sellotape transfer, wax transfer, mixed media final outcome…
- Investigate and research the work of contemporary and historical artists and makers such as: Jennifer Collier, Evelyn Tannus, Heikki Leis..
- Develop their visual literacy skills through critical analysis of the work of others and the critical evaluation and creation of their own artwork, learning how to use annotation to further their creative journey through a project
- Build an awareness of the further applications and functions of Art & Design in society (art practice, scientific recording and observation, advertising) and able to make links between their own work and the work of other artists
- Develop a meaningful and personal project with a final outcome, in preparation for the coursework created during GCSE Art & Design
Visual Communication: Students will work on the project entitled ‘Visual Communication’ throughout year 9. This prolonged project is workshop based, allowing students to learn and develop new and exciting techniques and skills. They will explore a range of materials and media in their sketchbooks looking at ways of communication, culminating in a final outcome regarding ‘The Perils of Social Media’. During this year, students will also have the opportunity to work with a visiting artist!
KS3 Year 9 Art Further Information
Science
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Coming Soon!Assessment at Key Stage 3
KS3 Assessment Windows
Students in Key Stage 3 will be assessed in designated Assessment Windows twice per year.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the assessment windows are:
Year 7 Assessment Windows
Baselines – 1st September – 24th October
Assessment Window 1 – 2nd February – 6th March
Assessment Window 2 – 5th May – 5th June
Year 8 Assessment Windows
Assessment Window 1 – 20th October – 21st November
Assessment Window 2 – 9th March – 17th April
Year 9 Assessment Windows
Assessment Window 1 – 17th November – 12th December
Assessment Window 2 – 11th May – 12th June
These assessments are designed to assess students’ cumulative knowledge, skill and vocabulary over Key Stage 3, thus preparing our students for long-term learning during Year 7, 8 and 9, and beyond.
Data and reporting
Following each assessment window, assessment percentages, the average cohort percentage (the average percentage achieved by all students who sat the same assessment) and progress scores will be reported to parents and carers.
How is progress measured at KS3?
When students start Walton in Year 7, they will undertake baseline assessments in most subjects. Using this data, as well as scaled SATS scores in some cases, the cohort will be ranked in each subject. This will be referred to as a student’s start point position. A student’s start point position in the rank will not be shared with students or with parents.
After each assessment window, the cohort will be ranked again using cumulative and aggregated assessment data. Their position in the new rank will be compared to their start point rank position (from the baseline assessments in Year 7) to assign one of four progress grades for each subject, which will be reported to parents and carers through our supporting system:
- Above expected progress – when a student’s new rank position is above their start point rank position.
- Making expected progress – when a student’s new rank position is maintained compared to their start point rank position.
- Working towards expected progress – when a student’s new rank position is slightly below their start point rank position.
- Below expected progress – when a student’s new rank position is significantly below their start point rank position.
Music
Coming Soon!Drama
Coming Soon!Catering
Our canteen delivers a wide selection of food and beverages to suit a wide range of dietary requirements and personal tastes.
Streateries Winter 2025-2026 Menu
Curriculum Structure 2025/26
Y7
| Subject | Number of Periods a week |
| English | 4 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Modern Foreign Language | 3 |
| Technology | 3 |
| Physical Education | 2 |
| Art | 2 |
| Geography | 2 |
| History | 1 |
| Music | 2 |
| Information Technology | 1 |
| Religious Education | 1 |
| PSHE | 1 |
Y8
| Subject | Number of Periods a week |
| English | 4 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Modern Foreign Language | 4 |
| Technology | 3 |
| Physical Education | 2 |
| Art | 2 |
| Geography | 1 |
| History | 2 |
| Music | 1 |
| Information Technology | 1 |
| Religious Education | 1 |
| PSHE | 1 |
Y9
| Subject | Number of Periods a week |
| English Language and English Literature | 4 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Modern Foreign Language | 4 |
| Technology | 3 |
| Physical Education Practical | 2 |
| Art | 1 |
| Geography | 2 |
| History | 2 |
| Music | 1 |
| Information Technology | 1 |
| Religious Education | 1 |
| PSHE | 1 |
Y10 and Y11
| Subject | Number of Periods a week |
| English Language and English Literature | 5 |
| Maths | 4 |
| Science | 6 |
| Physical Education Practical | 2 |
| Option A | 3 |
| Option B | 3 |
| Option C | 3 |
| Option D | 3 |
| PSHE | 1 |
Option Subjects in Years 10 and 11 include the following which are GCSE courses unless otherwise stated:
- Art
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Drama
- French
- German
- Geography
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Religious Education
- Technology, Food
- Technology, Graphics
- Technology, Resistant Materials
- Technology, Textiles
- Triple Science
- Further Maths
Students are given a free option choice but are required to choose at least one subject from Computer Science, MFL, History, and Geography. Students will receive advice on BTEC, E-BACC and Higher Education requirements.
Years 12 & 13
We offer a range of subjects and courses – see the Sixth Form Area for further details
Walton High School Admission Arrangements
We are delighted that you are considering Walton High School for your son or daughter.
If you wish your child to join our school, then please contact us using the links below.
To find out more about us, contact the Headteacher’s PA, Mrs A Pinney.
PAN
Our current PAN for Year 7 – 9 is 210.
Our current PAN for Year 10 & 11 is 210.
Link for in year admissions
Home Learning Pupil Guide
Projects & Pupil Guide
Retrieval Practice & Pupil Guide
Remote Learning Statement
