MMU Foundation Year, Department of Apparel students, under the programme leadership of David Leathlean are being inspired to develop their digital skills in association with Google and The Digital Garage, working towards developing themselves as future partners, in the Northern Powerhouse.

An introductory seminar organised by David and delivered by the Google team, has given our students a great starting-point to feed into an amazing free resource, currently available via the Manchester Central library.

Additionally to the introductory seminar “getting stuck into digital”, delivered by Google trainers, students have been given the opportunity to participate in a variety of free activities including; 1-2-1 tutorials and to gain an official certificate from Google, which has “energised and motivated students”.

In conjunction with their second ‘The Context of Fashion’ assessment, the students have been encouraged to consider the use of contemporary digital technologies, alongside more traditional methods, within their group projects and use the free resources, to both assist with their group assessment and further develop their life-long learning.

The students, via their Google experience, are being further encouraged to be reminded of the importance of creativity and innovation within their learning, a message dynamically communicated by Andy Barke, via his thought-provoking presentation on “Google and innovation”, delivered at the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School.

The experience the Foundation Year students, within the Department of Apparel are being given, whilst studying on the programme, highlights the “radical new approach we are taking”. The introduction of the “Active Learning Weeks”, developed by David and inspired by the CELT unit “Creativity in Learning” delivered by Chrissi Nerantzi has “transported students from the classroom, into the real world”. With the helpful assistance of associate Head of Department Antony Bednall, the concept delivered from the autumn term, has further driven student’s enthusiasm and engagement, allowing individuals to break free from the confinement of the classroom and explore the infinite possibilities of Manchester including; the art galleries, museums and the wide selection of Manchester’s city centre businesses.