The Textiles Skills Academy CPPD Course
03-07-2016
The Textiles Skills Academy was founded in January 2015 by Dawn Foxall after many conversations with educationalists, D&T teachers and industry leaders who saw the desperate need to support the teaching of textiles in schools.
Dawn Foxall founder of The Textiles Skills Academy with Jenny Holloway, Jenni Sutton and the group of Textiles Teachers
The Academy aims to bring together experienced education presenters and industry experts to deliver relevant events, industrial visits, seminars and practical workshops for Art, Textiles and D&T teachers, to aid the delivery of the curriculum and to raise awareness of the recruitment issues of the industry. Events are delivered by skilled teachers, trainers and industry practitioners to give an opportunity to develop classroom resources, update on the curriculum and industry practices, improve on existing skills, learn new skills and network with fellow teachers.
Jenny Holloway providing an overview of the Garment Life Cycle
The full-day workshop on 1st July aimed to unite education and industry and allow the group of Textiles teachers from across the UK to fully understand the training and career opportunities now available to their students following education.
The day included an overview of Fashion Enter activities including all courses available at the Fashion Technology Academy, an introduction to the garment life cycle and the skills required in garment manufacturing, a tour of the Factory, Fashion Studio and FTA and finally a hands on activity in the Stitching Academy with tutor Marilyn.
The teachers meeting Kasia in the Fashion Studio
On the Factory floor
The group about to have a go on the industrial sewing machines in the Stitching Academy
At the end of the workshop the feedback was very positive with comments including:
‘Firstly a HUGE thank you for last Friday – you and Jenny were BRILLIANT. The teachers were so happy and so was I – it was everything and more than I expected!’ Dawn
“I have gained an insight into careers and apprenticeship routes for students, the design cycle and industry practice. Brilliant tour and information given from Jenny and Jenni. Thank you very much, very useful and great feedback to students.” – Michelle
“I have learnt so much! The sensory experience has been invaluable. Also expert / insider tips and knowledge and vocabulary. Would fully recommend to others. Very interested in future courses. Thank you!” – Tatiana
“I now have lots of information about industrial practice that reinforced and expanded on my knowledge for teaching GCSE and A Level. Excellent experience – thoroughly recommended. I can’t wait to bring some students to visit.” – Pauline
We look forward to working with Dawn from the Textiles Skills Academy in the future.
