NCEA Level 1 Fashion Design Technology

Fashion Design Technology will enable students to access state-of-the-art equipment including innovative design software, laser cutter, computer-guided embroidery, high-precision Cricut cutting machine, photo-sensitive multi-layered screen printing, and industrial quality sewing machines. 

Fashion Design Technology Level 1 (Materials and Processing Technology) offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the new NCEA Assessment Standards. Throughout this course, students will delve into the elements and principles of fashion design, enabling them to develop their unique sense of identity through pattern drafting and basic alteration techniques. An essential aspect of these new standards is the exploration of tikanga Māori and traditional Pacific practices, providing students with an understanding of how technology and outcomes impact people, hapū, and iwi. By incorporating the principles of kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, auahatanga, as well as Pacific values like aloha, vā, fonua, vaka, and kuleana, students will gain a deeper appreciation for cultural perspectives.

The course will also focus on the global impact of fashion choices. Students will examine the fashion industry's effects on the natural world and learn to design and create sustainable clothing. By gaining knowledge in sustainability and problem-solving skills, students will be equipped with transferable abilities applicable to various learning areas. In addition to fabric, students will have the opportunity to work with diverse materials like wool fiber, wool yarn, tī kouka (cabbage tree), and harakeke (flax). Through hands-on experiences with these materials, students will further their understanding of sustainability concepts and explore tikanga practices for harvesting, preparing, working with, and disposing of them.

To enhance the educational experience of the students, students have an opportunity to participate in field trips, providing them with valuable knowledge about the historical aspects of fashion design as well as potential career opportunities within the Fashion Industry. These carefully curated excursions will encompass visits to prominent establishments such as The Spinners and Weavers Guild, the iD Dunedin Fashion Show, and a school trip to the fashion capital of the world, Paris. The objective of these field trips is to immerse students in the rich heritage of fashion design, allowing them to observe and learn firsthand from renowned industry professionals. 

Up to 16 credits are available from a selection of Achievement Standards.

NCEA Level 1

There are career opportunities in all fields of clothing and related industries for example, Apparel and Textile design, Interior design or in the Technology Industry through product development and project management.

Metropol magazine featuring ex-BHS student Judd Cargin is now designing menswear for the fashion label I Love Ugly.

*No prior experience required