Outstanding Fashion and Textiles exam results

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the GCSE assessments this summer, St Mary’s Colchester’s Year 11 students are celebrating receiving a fantastic set of results for their Cambridge O Level in Fashion and Textiles with 100% graded at A* or A!

After sitting the examination and submitting coursework back in October, staff at St Mary’s Senior School are extremely proud of the achievements of the Year 11 class, particularly taking in to account the impact COVID-19 has had on schools.

Mrs Katie Palfree, Co-Head of Textiles at St Mary’s exclaimed: “I am over the moon for the Year 11 students who received such amazing Fashion and Textiles O Level results. This is a fantastic achievement; it is wonderful to see the girls’ hard work has been formally recognised and is made even more special given the circumstances of this year.”

St Mary’s decided to offer the Cambridge O Level in Fashion and Textiles qualification rather than the GCSE equivalent as it is a specific Textiles technology-based course which allows students to develop their creative and practical construction skills within their coursework and it has the flexibility for them to pursue different directions and develop their creative ideas. It is an international qualification, with a 50/50 split for assessment between the exam and coursework. The students completed two coursework projects – an accessory and a garment project. The theory element covers topics including fibres and fabrics, production methods, health and safety, textile processes, style and contemporary fashion, the business of fashion, CAD/CAM and sustainability. The practical skills the students have developed has stimulated an enjoyment in the creative use of textiles which will last them a lifetime.

At St Mary’s, teaching is tailored to every student in small classes, not just in terms of level but also preferred method of learning. Progress is closely monitored to ensure each girl is fully supported, encouraged and stretched in every area. St Mary’s believes in providing a balanced education and as a result doesn’t just see excellent academic results, but success across the board.