North West School Of Design Fashion Design
Subject
- Fashion Design students will complete all the FASHION DESIGN SUBJECTS which will ensure a strong foundation for creative and technical skills required by the global industry. These subjects cater for a high standard of pattern engineering and garment technology together with creative and innovative approaches to fashion. Emphasis is placed on production skill development.
- Fashion Design students must complete at least one of the SELECTIVE-SUBJECTS per year. These Selective-subjects are presented as evening courses and are also open to the public.
PATTERN CONSTRUCTION
- Students develop the skill to engineer (design, plan and construct) patterns for exclusive Couture or mass produced (ready to wear) garments to appropriate standards.
- Students begin by learning the basics of measuring and to apply this to a basic block pattern which is then manipulated into any garment style, fabric type, figure shape, size, gender and age
- Students learn to compile and follow pattern specifications.
- Grading (sizing) of patterns forms an integral part of this subject.
- Taking a pattern from a completed garment and combining existing patterns also forms part of intensive pattern classes.
- Pattern Theory Includes the language and set rules of patternmaking in an academic format, as opposed to the practical application. It includes all the standardizations of measurements used to draft patterns. (For example: standard widths of collars and buttonstands). This theory also aids in quality management.
COURSE DURATION & CLASS TIMES
Candidates can register for either 1 year / 2years / 3years or 4 years
| Year | Qualification |
| 1 | City & Guilds 7160-12 Level 2 Certificate in Fashion |
| 2 | City & Guilds 7160-22 Level 2 Diploma in Fashion |
| 3 | City & Guilds 7160-13 Level 3 Certificate in Fashion |
| 4 | City & Guilds Level 4 9200-01 Licentiateship |
- Each year consists of 4 terms and term breaks are estimated in accordance with provincial school term-breaks.
- 2015 Classes start on Wednesday, 25 January 2017
- Classes are Monday to Friday – 08h30 to 16h00
- Morning sessions are from 08h30 to 10h30
- Afternoon sessions are from 11h00 to 13h30
- Self-directed sessions are from 13h30 to 16:00 (With lecturer supervision)
- All of the above sessions will be attended as essential lecturing sessions, and are compulsory class hours.
- Attendance registers are kept at all sessions.
- Students may take 1 hour (per week) leave absence from self directed sessions for tuition related errands.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum academic requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Matriculation (Grade 12) or an international equivalent.
- The minimum institutional admission requirement is also a National Certificate (Vocational) (NCC) Level 4 issued by the Council of Further Educations and Training.
- Candidates will be given an entrance exam which is designed to assess their admission-level capability. This entrance exam determines written communication skills, creative aptitude and technical abilities.
- Candidates who have obtained less than 60% for this aptitude will first complete the Bridging Design Programme.
- North West School of Design recognizes prior learning (RPL) for candidates that have not obtained a Matriculation Certificate, but is aged 22 years. These entrants are able to apply for registration based on the RPL application which includes the Entrance Exam, submission of the RPL application form , an interview with the principal, and completion of the Bridging Design Programme which will assess their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.
- Candidates from other institutions wishing to transfer to the North West School of Design will be considered on credit accumulation. Candidates must complete the entrance exam and submit their portfolio of work and results sheets, together with the RPL application form to the principal who will then evaluate their skills to determine if they can be admitted directly to second or third year or if they can be considered for partial exemption from the learning programme.
- Foreign candidates must obtain the required visas and study permits as well as a valid temporary resident permits. Study permits are obtained from the South African Embassy/High Commission of Consulate in their home country. Study permits should be valid for Protocol General Sales t/a North West School of Design.
- Prior training in sewing and arts are not admission requirements, but candidates must have a strong interest in fashion.
- Candidates must read, write and understand English. A certain level of proficiency in English is required for success in Higher Education studies. This includes a pass in English at A-level or O-level. Other post-school English language qualifications will be evaluated on merit.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students who have absenteeism problems not only suffer academically, but also socially. Absenteeism leads to inadequate learning on the part of the student and affects their overall performance. In the class or group situation, absenteeism of some of the students leads to unsatisfactory class averages and because our lecturer’s job performance is measured on class averages obtained by the group, NWSD cannot tolerate any unnecessary absenteeism and late comings of students.
EXAMINATIONS & ASSESSMENTS
| Year | Description | Examination | Qualification |
| 1 | Academic year completed on a fulltime basis at North West School of Design | Year End – City & Guilds examination | City & Guilds 7160-12 Level 2 Certificate in Fashion |
| 2 | Academic year completed on a fulltime basis at North West School of Design | Year End – City & Guilds examination | City & Guilds 7160-22 Level 2 Diploma in Fashion |
| 3 | Academic year completed on a fulltime basis at North West School of Design | Year End – City & Guilds examination | City & Guilds 7160-13 Level 3 Certificate in Fashion |
| 4 | Practical year completed at the workplace within the Fashion Industry | Portfolio of evidence submitted after completion of one full year fulltime employment within the fashion industry | City & Guilds Level 4 9200-01 Licentiateship |