Emma Beedie

Emma is off to Nottingham Trent University in pursuit of her ultimate goal – a successful career in fashion. Having achieved a triple Distinction grade in her BTEC, she’s already well on her way to making her dream a reality.

‘Ever since I was young fashion and clothing has caught my attention. Even at school I preferred hands on options rather then academic, theory type study. I originally attempted A Levels but found they were not practical enough, that’s why I chose to come to Northampton College and I am pleased I did as this course was perfect. Without it I don’t think I would have been accepted at Nottingham Trent.’

Emma enjoyed being constantly busy, learning different design concepts, styles and techniques. ‘The first year covers the basics then you are given the freedom to develop your own ideas in the second year. One of my highlights was taking part in the final end of term fashion show at the Guildhall where I created a collection made up of four oriental inspired outfits. I used structured grey, purple and crimson shapes based on Japanese Pagodas. It was very dramatic and was an amazing feeling to see something you’ve created on the catwalk to be enjoyed by others. I think it’s great you are given that opportunity as part of the course.’

Emma is looking forward to expanding on her newfound skills at university. ‘Ultimately I would like a job as a head designer or as part of a design team for a fashion label.’

Seva Subbarayan

Seva completed his GCSEs and A Levels when he lived in Mauritius but always had an ambition to pursue his passion for art. When he moved to the UK to live with his brother and sister two years ago, he discovered the perfect course option – a BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design at Northampton College.

‘I have always been creative ever since I was little so when I moved to Northampton I was really pleased I could continue to study art. I knew I couldn’t go straight on to university so this course seemed like an ideal route to progress. It’s been even better then I first thought though because I now know for sure art is what I want to do.’

Seva fitted into UK life straight away. ‘It’s better studying over here because you get much more guidance and support. I found the teachers really listen to you and help you develop your ideas. I liked all aspects of the course but I did have a bit of trouble with contextual studies. It didn’t matter though because help is always on hand and I now feel much more confident.’

For his final end of term project Seva created a kinetic sculpture made out of wires. ‘I wanted to challenge myself and come up with something unusual. The teachers allow you to push yourself and give you the freedom to attempt new areas – that’s really important.’

Seva wants to specialise in furniture design in the future. In the meantime he is off to the University of Northampton. ‘I am going to study a degree in Project Design before finding a job. I am sure the skills I’ve learnt from the BTEC will help me get to where I want to be.’

Louise Annis

Louise says the fashion course helped her realise what she wanted to do with her life. With dreams of making it big in the fashion industry, she has just started a degree in Fashion, Manufacturing, Marketing & Promotion at Huddersfield University.

‘You learn so much on the course. It’s really practical and you’re allowed to experiment with different techniques and styles. Even if you want to design something that’s a bit different or challenging the tutors will support you. They will always try to point you in the right direction which is really important, especially in fashion which is obviously such a creative industry.’

For her final project, which was displayed on the catwalk at the College’s end of term fashion show, Louise created a linen, chiffon and leatherette collection based on the British Empire in the eighteen hundreds.

‘I think it’s great that we’re expected to take part in a big fashion show as it’s something to work towards. I did lots of research for my collection and finally based the fashions on African, Indian and Arabian styles. I think the audience liked it.’

Rachel McGee

Rachel has always been creative so for her the BTEC in Art & Design was the obvious choice. ‘I enjoyed all aspects of the course but print was my favourite as it’s fun and interesting. It’s great learning about different techniques and being able to experiment.’

For her final project Rachel came up with the theme of bubbles. Her final designs went down well with visitors at the end of term arts exhibition ‘Arts Seen’.

‘I was given a bubble pen and was playing around with it one day when I thought about using it for my final project. I did two big designs but they weren’t big enough. I wanted to create something striking which is when I decided to print onto material to create a duvet and pillow set. I am really happy with the effect.’

Rachel wants to get straight into employment. ‘I don’t want to go to university, I want to work in the industry and build up experience that way. I definitely want to do something related to design.’

Tom Hewitt

Tom has always been creative so decided to study for the Applied Art & Design double award, 3D Design and Fine Art A Levels at Daventry. He always willing to put in the extra effort. Most recently he volunteered to design the poster to promote the end of term art exhibition – the most successful event to date. Tom achieved three As and a B and has progressed onto an Art Foundation course.

Bharat Kadchha

Bharat enrolled on the BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing with ambitious plans to own his own label and be as successful as his idol Hussein Chalayan.

His passion and ambition was infectious on the course and his adventurous designs made him stand out as a model student. His final project, which was modelled on the catwalk at the College’s end of term fashion show, looked spectacular. He has just completed the programme with flying colours. Bharat has started a degree in Fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in London.