Future Designers: Year 10 Art Students Visit Burberry HQ
Our Year 10 Art and Design students recently enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the world of high fashion with an exclusive trip to the Burberry factory in Castleford, Wakefield. As part of their ongoing work experience programme, this visit offered students a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and heritage of one of the world’s most famous luxury brands.
From Heritage to the Cutting Room Floor
The day began with an introduction to the prestigious history of Burberry. Students learned about the origins of the brand and how it became the definitive maker of the classic British trench coat.
The group was then treated to a guided tour of the factory floor. It was an eye-opening experience for our young artists to see the incredible level of detail, precision, and skill required to assemble a single iconic trench coat. Seeing the transition from raw fabric to a finished luxury garment highlighted the importance of technical skill in the creative industries.
Inspiring Career Paths
Following the tour, students attended a career talk from a panel of industry professionals. The speakers shared their personal journeys, explaining the different routes they took to secure roles at Burberry. This session provided our students with valuable insights into the various career paths available within the fashion and manufacturing sectors, from design to production management.
The Burberry Design Challenge
The highlight of the morning was a high-stakes design competition. Our students were tasked with creating their own original interpretation of a Burberry trench coat.
Competition was fierce, with some truly innovative and stylish sketches being produced. After much deliberation from the judges, two winners were chosen for their exceptional creativity. Both students were delighted to receive an exclusive Burberry pencil case as a reward for their hard work.
A Huge Thank You
Oulton Academy would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Burberry for hosting such an insightful and inspiring day. It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 10s to see how their classroom skills translate into a world-class professional environment.
