School of Fashion (13DSF)

Course Overview

Term 1
Tīaho Fashion Awards Working towards AS 91626 6 credits at level 3.
During this term, you will use the theme of Culture to create a garment that is representative of what culture means to you. The assessment task requires you to draft a pattern from a block to create an original garment. You will have the opportunity to investigate your family origins and what is appropriate use of cultural inspiration. Your completed garment will be part of a fashion awards show and be judged by a guest judge. The development of your idea and the processes used will be documented using PowerPoint.

Pattern blocks for women's wear. 13387 Level 3, 6 Credits. During this term, you will learn the techniques and principles of pattern-making. You will draft a skirt and a dress to a standard size 12 as required by the standard. You will then either use the knowledge gained to adapt the pattern to your measurements or you will draft again to create a custom fit garment.

During industrial sewing time in term 1, our focus is on developing the skills of Tuakana Teina. For 3 hours a week, senior students will be buddying up with junior students in small groups to develop individual skills by passing on knowledge and experience to the young aspiring fashion students. You will help them develop their ideas for Tīaho and together plan a fashion show event to showcase the college's diverse culture.

Term 2
In Artwear the focus is on developing garments of complex design working towards AS 91621
In this project, you will design and make a garment that includes complex features. You will learn what constitutes a complex feature and create a garment that includes 4. You will adapt the pattern created in term 1 to fulfill this brief and you will document the process using PowerPoint.


In Patternmaking the focus is on Garment blocks for Children's Wear Unit 2835 level 3, 6 credits. This term our focus is on Children's wear. You will create blocks for Children's wear and follow these up by making a small range of coordinated garments for a specified child or to a standard size.

In Industrial Sewing the focus is on a level 4 standard 6702 worth 6 credits, Sew a tailored coat. You will design and make a woollen-lined coat of your choosing and learn the tailoring techniques unique to this process.

Term 3
The Artwear focus is on investigating fitness for purpose working towards 91616.
During this term, you will investigate how products can change their purpose over time as consumer needs change. You will look at the origins of Levi's Jeans and Converse Chuck Taylors. You will examine how these two products have been able to survive and still be relevant over time whereas other products have not achieved this longevity. How has their fitness for purpose changed and what influences have been considered in implementing this change? This research can count for reading credits.

Garment blocks for Men's wear. 13388 Level 3, 6 Credits.
To create men's wear blocks you must make a shirt, and trousers to a standard size.

In industrial sewing, you will examine the techniques required to produce well-fitted and sewn collars and sleeves. These unit standards are 17818 and 17820. Both are level 3 with 3 credits each. You will also experience production sewing by engaging in Unit standard 17817, Sew garments for cut components. This is a level 3 standard with 6 credits.

Term 4
Term 4 is dedicated to creating garments to make sure everything is completed and preparing for an end-of-year show. This may mean finishing off loose ends or creating something new.