1.0 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for A-level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototype of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

We’re confident you’ll find this specification clear and easy to use, as a number of teachers and assessment experts have helped us to produce it.

We’ve structured the content so that you can co-teach AS and A-level Design and Technology students, allowing for maximum flexibility in lesson timetabling and teaching resources.

You can find out about all our Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles qualifications at aqa.org.uk/designandtechnology

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/7562 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

  • teaching guidance and lesson plans to help you deliver this specification
  • non-exam assessment example materials and a dedicated subject adviser for every school or college to help you understand our expectations for this part of the assessment
  • sample schemes of work to help you plan your course with confidence
  • textbooks tailored to our specification and approved by AQA
  • training courses to help you deliver AQA Design and Technology qualifications for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7562 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

  • past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports
  • Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
  • example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

  • Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
  • Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start. Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7562

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/from-2017

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: dandt@aqa.org.uk

T: 0161 957 3334