New diploma course begins next year

Press, 7 October 1987, Page 29

New diploma course begins next year

The new fashion design diploma course will be Introduced at the Christchurch College of Dressmaking, Tailoring and Design next year. It is an exciting step for the school, the goal they have been working towards during the past five years, says the school’s principal, Mrs Cathy Baker.

The new diploma is a two year course and will be done on a part time basis so that students can continue working while they complete it The diploma year will involve three hours per week in advanced pattern making and three hours in advanced tailoring and also covers textiles, design and fashion. It is a cross between the Wellington Polytech course and the Sydney School Of Fashion and there is no course like it in the South Island, Mrs Baker says.

Graduates will have a thorough knowledge of the concepts of professionally designed and tailored garments, according to Mrs Baker. After comleting the course, the graduates will be qualified to go into the

industry or to produce the best they are capable of for their own satisfaction. Before attempting the diploma, students must complete the prerequisite year which involves one lesson per week in pattern making and one lesson per week in basic and Intermediate tailoring.

“This year is necessary to cover all the basic techniques before moving on to the more advanced work,” Mrs Baker says.

“It also gives students an idea of what to expect the next year.

“It is by no means essential to go on and do the diploma/ "It is a trial year.”

Students who do only the prerequisite year will be competent in pattern making and have basic tailoring techniques. They will have made a T-shirt, sweat shirt, shirt, dress, skirt and possibly a jacket

There is no restriction on the age of the students taking the diploma course. Ages range from 15 years through to women in their fifties and as well there have been many male students.

The diploma course is

in the process of being registered with the Education Department so that it will be a recognised qualification, Mrs Baker says.

Those interested in enrolling for any of the courses at the Christchurch , College of Dressmaking, Tailoring and Design, which are held at the Peterborough Centre, should contact Mrs Baker.