Ads
Published
May 20, 2016
Reading time
2 minutes
Download
Download the article
Print
Text size

​Fashion as an A-level subject to launch in the UK

Published
May 20, 2016

AQA, one of the UK five exam boards, announced plans to introduce Fashion as a new standalone A-level qualification, replacing the long-standing Textiles course which was part of the Product Design A-level.


Photo: Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana


Students taking the A-level in Fashion will immerse themselves into the work of influential fashion designers of all time, including the likes of  Chanel, Dior, Mary Quant, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Vivienne Westwood, Gaultier and McQueen; and will study their impact on fashion, textiles, design and manufacture.

Alongside this, the subject will cover the major historical design styles and movements including Punk, Pop Art, Art Nouveau and Minimalism, as well as socio-economic influences on fashion.

The course will also offer a creative element, requiring students to apply new knowledge on textiles and methods to create their own designs.

Additionally, the A-level will be rounded off with elements of maths, science, marketing, branding and other commercial sides of fashion. For example, students will learn equations to calculate how much material is required for a particular design.

Ben Galvin, AQA Qualifications Developer, said: "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. 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.”

The announcement comes shortly after the British Fashion Council revealed its 2016/2017 Education Programme, which includes a nation-wide initiative aimed at giving young people aged 14-16 the opportunity to study fashion at their local college for free.

The plans for AQA's new Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles A-level, which will be available to teach from September 2017, are being submitted to the regulator Ofqual for accreditation.

Copyright © 2024 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.