Year 11 and 13 Textiles students at Brentford School for Girls (BSfG) recently jumped at an amazing chance at the V&A Museum’s Upstart Creative Careers Day - a perfect window into the vibrant and ever-changing world of fashion.

This top-notch event was a lively showcase of the many career paths, unique personalities, and innovative practices that drive this colourful industry. The day was buzzing with excitement as students eagerly soaked up all the insights and inspiration on offer for fashion.

Throughout the day, the students experienced a hands-on workshop, diving right into the design process to unleash their own creativity and whip up fashion designs inspired by the museum's stunning exhibits. In this fun setting, they got to play around with different fabrics and techniques, blending traditional skills with modern innovations. Drawing from both historical and contemporary pieces, the students delved into the rich tapestry of fashion history while dreaming up future possibilities. The result? A stunning collection that showcased their inventive minds and artistic flair, ranging from avant-garde to classic elegance. Each design was a testament to their ability to mix imagination with practical skills, leading to an array of garments that captured their spirit of exploration and creativity.

Helping them along this artistic journey was the renowned designer Marcus Woolf, whose expert advice and mentorship took the students’ creations to new heights. Known for his innovative style and attention to detail, Marcus offered personalised feedback and pushed them to think outside the box, urging them to stretch their design concepts. His session was a big hit, highlighting both his expertise and the students' talent and dedication to their craft. The interaction with Marcus was a highlight of the day, as students absorbed his wisdom and gained valuable insights into professional fashion design.

The event also included engaging talks from industry heavyweights, like Nadia Khoni, the Senior Vice Marketing Manager for Hugo Boss. Her presentation dove into the nitty-gritty of fashion marketing, offering priceless insights into brand strategy, consumer engagement, and the digital shift in the industry.

During the lively Q&A sessions that followed, the students impressed with their thoughtful questions, showing their passion and eagerness to connect with industry experts, and their deep interest in future fashion careers. Nadia's talk gave a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in fashion marketing, and her openness about real-world scenarios gave students a clearer picture of what success in the industry looks like.

This enriching experience at the V&A Museum not only gave BSfG students a glimpse into the many career paths in fashion but also inspired them to imagine their potential roles as future contributors to this dynamic field. The event sparked their aspirations, igniting a desire to explore further and hone their skills and knowledge for a future in fashion. As they left the museum, the students carried a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, ready to chase their dreams and make their mark in the fashion world.

BSfG is committed to providing opportunities that nurture student potential and prepare them for successful futures. This visit to the V&A Museum exemplifies our dedication to inspiring the next generation of fashion innovators.

Brentford School for Girls awarded the Quality in Careers Standard

Brentford School for Girls is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Quality in Careers Standard, a nationally recognised mark of excellence for careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG). This award acknowledges the school’s dedication to providing students with high-quality careers support, ensuring they are well-prepared for their futures.

The Quality in Careers Standard is given to schools that demonstrate excellence in delivering careers education and provide students with the information and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their next steps after school. It recognises a holistic approach that includes impartial advice, skills development, and opportunities for students to engage with employers and industry professionals.

This significant achievement highlights Brentford School for Girls’ commitment to preparing students for successful careers, whether through further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Staff are excited to continue offering exceptional career opportunities and guidance to all students.

Whether through further education, apprenticeships, or direct workforce entry, staff are eager to offer outstanding career opportunities and guidance.

For more information, please visit: https://www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk