Sarah Charles

1
Sarah Charles

• Course Leader FdA Fashion
• Principal Lecturer _at_ The Arts Institute
  Bournemouth.

2
FdAs what are they ?

• Introduced by DfES in 2000.
• Why ?
• To address shortages within the labor market.
• Contribute to WP agenda.
• Award ?
• Intermediate level (FHEQ)

3
Why a Fashion Foundation Degree at the AIB?

• governments white paper to develop FdAs
  in the HE sector.
• rate of creative industries sector expansion.
• demand for art and design education.
• AIB strong tradition of vocational education.

4
Supply and Demand.

• recognition UK top exporter of design.
• Strong industry focus sadly lacking in fashion
  education
• Large retailers identified need for
  flexibility,adaptability,independence,
  technical and business skills.

5
Nationally and Globally.

• UK fashion industry 4th largest in the world
• Applications for FdAs steadily risen.
• Further enhance the S.o.D portfolio.
• Tap into well established industry links.

6
Key Features.

• Integration of academic /WBL through
  collaboration between employers and Institute.
• Design appeals to those entering/seeking
  professional development.
• Possibility of earn and learn

7
Key features cont.

• Informed by SSC(s)
• Stand alone qualification but also provides
  opportunities for further study.

8
Defining Characteristics.

• Employer involvement
• Accessibility(wp,p/t,community)
• Articulation and progression
• Flexibility
• Partnership
• Nb. Not unique but integration distinctive.

9
Operational Process and Key Dates.

• Summer 02 initial discussions/proposal.
• Investigation
• local,regional,national fashion industry.
• Demand assessed.
• SSC consultation gaps and trends.
• Initial documentation went public.

10
Operation cont.

• Well received academics /industry alike.
• Initial document submitted for approval prior to
  validation.
• External members invited to input/comment.
• First ILG meeting held.
• Validation event .

11
First cohort.

• 2003/4 1st year successfully completed.
• May 2005 successful QAA Review of FdA Fashion.
• July 2005 1st graduating cohort,
• 60 exit
• 40 articulate.
• July 2006 1st graduating group of articulated
  students.

12
Placement process.

• Compulsory unit introduce through PPRD1 in 1st
  year.
• Students briefed.
• Handbook letter,HS,feedback form, placement
  policy.

13
Process cont..

• Unit handbook.
• Learning agreement
• Hosts contacted
• bring and buy
• Student/employee contact.
• Official letter.
• Learning agreement signed off.
• .

14
Cont

• Dates and accommodation confirmed
• Contact details student and mentor
  confirmed/documented.
• Updated company registration form.
• Placement..
• Visits.
• Employers report.
• Student thanks.
• Official thanks.
• Presentations.
• Assessment.

15
What the students say..

• I really did some of the stuff you have been
  teaching us
• I made some good friends,they were sad to see me
  go
• the first day I couldnt believe I was actually
  in Debenhams design department
• they really gave me proper jobs, not just
  photocopying

16
QAA review.

• Identified good practice /innovative features.
• Close links with employers.
• Good quality placements.
• Integration and support of WBL and WRL.
• Commitment to WP
• Development of technical/specific skills.
• Integration of academic and WBL.

17
Benefits to the AIB.

• Produces students with solid relevant and
  appropriate level of skills.
• Contributes to WP strategy.
• Demonstrates forward thinking and innovative
  teaching.
• Alumni -early but proven on other courses.

18
What next ?

• Develop further strong links with local, national
  employers.
• Promote FdAs.
• Develop links with academic bodies/ councils.
• Maintain monitor and evaluate.
• Share good practice.