For nearly a quarter of a century Platform One has been THE place to go if you want to study music…but now the college is expanding its horizons by moving into the wider world of creative education.
It means a change of name and a second campus for the college in an iconic Newport building.
Platform One first opened its doors in 1999 and has gone on to produce many successful musicians, including global sensations Wet Leg.
Platform One Creative Education
So, Platform One College of Music is transitioning to ‘Platform One Creative Education’.
This strategic move enables the college to expand curriculum and opportunities into the wider curriculum, with a focus on the wider cultural and creative industries.
Sustainable Fashion Department
The first phase of this exciting development is the launch of a new Sustainable Fashion Department – which will open in September 2023.
The new department will be based in the historic Wadhams building, which was previously occupied by Top Shop. Building works and development have been carried out by ERMC. The building development includes the restoration of the shop front back to its original design.
BA (Hons) Sustainable Fashion
There will be a brand new innovative and industry facing BA (Hons) Sustainable Fashion, which has been written by Platform One and validated through University of Chichester.
Study programmes will also include a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, which is equivalent to three full A Levels. This programme will offer the first full-time fashion course for Post 16 students.
Key areas of study focus on sourcing sustainable fabrications, concept and research, design, construction and cut.
Collaboratively on business projects
Alongside technical ability, students will work collaboratively on business projects that link with a unique retail space on the first floor of Wadhams.
This is an opportunity to develop circular and collaborative collections that are promoted and sold in house in a unique experience.
Work on live briefs, competitions and events
Students will have the opportunity to work on live briefs, competitions and events that link with industry specialists and sustainable pioneers. Throughout the degree programme importance will be placed on working collectively with local and national sustainable communities, in the pursuit of creative solutions.
Graduates will leave the degree programme with unique skills in garment design, construction, and promotion.
Brainchild of Hannah Woodford
The degree has been conceived and written in collaboration with the talented and experienced fashionista Hannah Woodford.
Hannah graduated from the University of Brighton with a First Class Honours in Fashion Textiles Design with Business Studies.
Her industry experience includes Madame V, Selfridges, Marks and Spencer’s and Burberry.
Hannah then moved into education, where she became the Course Leader for Fashion & Textiles for the Island Education Federation.
Pontin: A milestone for Platform One
David Pontin, Platform One’s Education Director said,
“The launch of Sustainable Fashion department is a milestone for Platform One and a commitment to a much wider creative industries offer for the Island.”
Woodford: Such an important opportunity for the Isle of Wight
Hannah Woodford, Head of Sustainable Fashion, said,
“I am so proud to be working with Platform One on this new venture. This is such an important opportunity for the Isle of Wight and something that I have been working towards for many years.
“The ethos and design of the study programmes are built around sustainability – fundamental for the long-term well-being of our planet. We are lucky to have an incredible building, which is going to be such a unique learning space for the students.”
News shared by Dave on behalf of Platform One. Ed
