Students who have dreamed of working in the fashion industry can now get an
early start as a new A-level entitled Design and Technology: Fashion and
Textiles is set to launch for schools to teach from September 2017, onwards.
The new course will include the work and designs from influential
designers, including the likes of Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint
Laurent and Alexander McQueen and the impact they have on the industry as a
whole as part of its course work. The new, standalone A-level qualification
from examination board AQA will replace the current Textiles course
offering, which is part of the Product Design A-Level.
The course aims to cover historical design movements and styles from a wide
range of eras such as Punk, Art Nouveau and Minimalism. In addition to
studying design, students will also learn about the social economic
influences on fashion, such as the rise of social media, the role of women
in society and street culture.
Students who select the A-level will be learn how to create their own
designs and patterns on a range of textiles as well as how to use new
design technologies such as 3D printing and wearable technology. In
addition to learning about the creative side of the industry, students will
also learn about the commercial side of the industry, studying branding and
marketing. Students will also be taught the importance of maths in the
industry, and will be asked for example to calculate how much material is
required for a certain design.
“The UK’s thriving fashion industry makes a huge contribution to the
economy. It employs hundreds of thousands of people and is one of our most
sought-after exports,” commented Ben Galvin, AQA Qualifications Developer
in a statement. “It’s important that we support the growth of this industry
by developing young people with a solid understanding of the commercial,
creative and technical sides of the trade.”
“This new A-level will enable students to learn about some of the most
influential and iconic designers and movements to demonstrate the history
of the industry and its importance within our society.”
Photo: Central Saint Martins students, Facebook