Outstanding Fashion and Textiles exam results for Senior School students

31 January 2022

St Mary’s Colchester’s Year 11 students are celebrating receiving a fantastic set of results for their Cambridge International 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, in Colchester, Essex are extremely proud of the achievements of the Year 11 class who were awarded 9 A*s and 1 A in their CiE Fashion & Textiles O Level.

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 recognized with this superb set of results.”

St Mary’s decided to offer the Cambridge International O Level in Fashion and Textiles qualification 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 coursework based on the brief of designing and making a special occasion wear garment inspired by either planet earth or a fashion era of their choice. The girls documented their research, designs, development, production, testing and evaluation stages through a written portfolio to accompany their practical product. The girls then sat a two-hour written exam which covered topics such as fibres and fabrics, textile processes, CAD/CAM, production methods, sustainability, style and contemporary fashion. 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, girls benefit from small classes and excellent teaching. Progress is closely monitored to ensure each girl is fully supported, encouraged and stretched so they do their very best. St Mary’s believes in providing a balanced education, providing excellent pastoral care and plentiful opportunities outside the classroom, alongside a strong academic focus.

To find out more about the brilliantly balanced education on offer at St Mary’s Colchester, there are Open Days taking place in March at the Senior School, Lower School and Kindergarten. Places can been reserved here or individual tours can be arranged by contacting the Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney on 01206 594180 or registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk

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