Breadalbane Academy, fair trade fashion show
How the Fairtrade Fashion Show has influenced the curriculum so far and evidence of working across the curriculum
Art and Design Department
An S2 fair trade enterprise design project has been incorporated into the S2 curriculum to introduce pupils to fair trade and enterprise. This project has led to collaboration between the Art and Design and Home Economics departments on other projects. For instance, pupils designed and made recycled shopping bags from sheets from the Fishers Laundry in Aberfeldy, which donated their reject fabrics to the school.
The Fashion Show was used as a live brief for the S3 Poster Design Unit and the resulting designs were chosen and used in general advertising, posters, tickets and the programme.
Every opportunity for pupils to engage in enterprise projects is explored; for example, as part of the S1 Junior Enterprise Xmas Cards project, pupils worked with the Maths and Business Studies departments as well as with local graphic designers and a printing company.
Links with the community
There is community involvement through the event planning group and advertising in the event programme for the Aberfeldy Traidcraft Group.
Links to other cultures
World music was used for the show’s backing tracks and Fairtrade fashion from third world countries was showcased during the event.
Enterprise
Former pupils, studying design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and at Galashiels, contributed to the show and worked with current pupils. Enterprise groups were created, selling products including:
- S1 Christmas cards
- S2 felt scarves and purses
- Fairtrade cake and candy
In addition, the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band made and sold CDs to raise funds.
Citizenship
Awareness of fair trade and other global issues was promoted on the night by the following groups:
- Aberfeldy Traidcraft Group (stall)
- TearFund (stall)
- Shoebox Appeal (awareness raising)
Links with other departments and schools
The Music Department provided musical entertainment and a pupils’ band, INVU, performed music specially written for the show, the 'Mind the Gap' theme.
The Drama Department developed choreography for different parts of the show. The S2 Show, Traidcraft Show and School Showcase elements offered opportunities for staff and pupils to be involved in both a creative role and in taking part on stage and backstage.
The Home Economics Department played an active role in organising the refreshments and had their own enterprise stall.
Media education is not currently available as a course option at Breadalbane but the project was an opportunity for pupils to learn to use video cameras and editing software to create a DVD of the show.
Andrew Carr, an Apple Distinquished Educator and PT Computing at Pitlochry High School, worked with pupils on the night to produce video footage of the event.
The sound and lighting workshop for pupils, delivered by professional technicians, was also a wonderful experience for interested pupils. This has led to opportunities for pupils to take on related work experience.