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 with a new name and a 2nd 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.
Now, 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.
The 1st 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 Topshop. 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.
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 3 full A Levels. This programme will offer the 1st full-time fashion course for Post 16 students.
Key areas of study focus on sourcing sustainable fabrications, concept and research, design, construction and cut.
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.
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.
The degree has been conceived and written in collaboration with the talented and experienced fashionista Hannah Woodford who 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.
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.”
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.”
Platform One will be holding 2 information evenings at Quay Arts Theatre, Newport. A formal presentation will be followed by the opportunity to look around Wadhams building.
The 1st will take place on Wednesday 28th June 2023 for the BA (Hons) Sustainable Fashion at Quay Arts Theatre in Newport between 18:00 and 20:00.
The 2nd will take place on Wednesday 5th July 2023 for the Post 16 – Level 3 Extended Diploma at Quay Arts Theatre in Newport between 18:00 and 20:00.
To register a place email: [email protected]
The word campus was first used in reference to Princeton’s original building and the land that separated it from the neighboring town. The term comes from the Latin, meaning a field.
More good news, wonderful. We certainly need it. Well done everyone involved and very best wishes!