GCSEs for fashion design

[Kishimo]

Hi, Im in Yr 9 at school, but we have to start choosing our GCSE subjects in a few weeks.  I want to have a career in fashion design, so what subjects should i be taking?

[IndieSinger]

Hi Kishimo. While many GCSE subjects remain compulsory, the optional courses (and which combinations of optional courses) vary between schools. For instance, I had to choose between Geography and History, and if I did German, I couldn't do music (!)

So if you could give us the ones you need to choose between, that would be great.

[ursula62]

Have you asked your school careers advisers? They should be able to help you with choices for subjects.

At the very least you probably need to take Art (to help with drawing your designs) ; Textiles (sewing / making up the designs, embroidery etc); Computing (a lot of designs are done on computer software these days) and  Business Studies would help if you want to branch out on your own after your apprenticeship.

[Kishimo]

hey, IndieSinger, compulsory subjects are a language, IT, English, Science, Maths, and RE

Other subjects include geography, history, music, textiles, art, pe, Food studies, Resistant materials, drama, business studies, media studies (i think). There's probably a few more, I just can't think of them...

Ursula, thanks for the subjects, and I just got a letter from my school about career advisors and guidance (lol) =D

Thanks!!!

[IndieSinger]

Sorry for more questions, but how many from that list do you need to choose?

For fashion design I would definitely go with textiles and art. I'm not sure what a subject about "resistant matierals" would entail, but possibly that... The rest I would choose in the following order. Media Studies would be a good idea as fashion designers tend to work with contemporary magazines. Business Studies would also be a good idea if you wanted to get a job within the fashion industry for good business sense. And possibly drama because it can be linked with fashion design (costumes etc.)

I'd also like to reiterate what ursula62 said and advise you to speak to a careers advisory service.

Good luck!

[ursula62]

All the best Kishimo... and when you're famous I want an invite to your first fashion show!

[gen]

hi kishimo...i'm doing a degree in fashion design now...the only subject i really needed was english, maths and art...

but CDT (or D and T) is good to have aswell, IT is a definate bonus.  Textiles is only good if you want to specialise in textile, it's not really needed.

[designerdiva]

you need to do textiles and art

thats what my teachers told me

[QueenSophie]

hey. im hoping to work in fashion aswell.  you dont always need specific GCSEs.  you do need a good pass in english, and most colleges or universities will require a pass in art and design, and most likely maths. other than that, its up to you. it depends on which course you're hoping to do further up the line, but remember to keep your options open.

xoxoxoxox