Project Description
Industry: Creative Arts
Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness and Skills Development
Businesses involved: Junk Kouture
Name of School: Viewforth High School
Viewforth High School has partnered with Junk Kouture, a global sustainable fashion competition, to provide students with a unique platform to develop vital skills for future employability. By engaging with this program, learners explored sustainable design, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and public presentation – all essential attributes in today’s workforce.
Junk Kouture collaborates with schools to inspire young people to engage with sustainable fashion, creative design, and environmental awareness. It promotes a circular economy while helping students develop tangible skills in fashion, engineering, and design. For Viewforth pupils, the experience included hands-on work with textiles, concept development, and garment construction using recycled materials.
Working alongside teachers, fashion industry contacts, and other schools such as George Watson’s College, Mary Erskine School, Earlston High School, The Royal High School, and George Heriot’s School, learners honed collaborative and communication skills and gained exposure to a professional creative environment.
Key Events & Learning Experiences
UK Junk Kouture Final Watch Party (School-Based)
Two of Viewforth’s student-created designs were selected for the UK Final, an outstanding achievement reflecting months of dedication and creative excellence. Parents, staff, and peers gathered to celebrate the success and support the finalists during a livestreamed viewing party. While the team didn’t progress to the World Final, the sense of pride and motivation among the pupils was palpable.
Junk Kouture Fashion Show at George Watson’s College (External Showcase)
On June 9th, pupils from Viewforth’s Junk Kouture club and senior Art & Design classes took part in an inter-school fashion show hosted by George Watson’s College. Students from S1 to S6 presented original sustainable fashion pieces and Higher design folios, showcasing an impressive range of technical skills including stitching, embroidery, felting, and textile sculpting.
The event emphasised professionalism, teamwork, and peer collaboration, with learners from multiple schools working together to deliver a high-quality show. The experience broadened horizons, fostered new friendships, and created networking opportunities within the creative sector.
Skills Developed
Design and Engineering (fashion construction, material innovation)
Teamwork and Communication
Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Thinking
Public Speaking and Presentation
Collaboration with industry and education professionals
Student Feedback
“Being part of the Junk Kouture Team has been the highlight of my year as an S4. Reaching the UK final has inspired me to continue developing my skills within creative industries.”
— Flo, S4 Pupil
“Attending the Fashion Show at George Watson’s gave me the opportunity to showcase my head piece creation. Through my experience with Junk Kouture and Art & Design, I want to attend Art College after school to pursue my dream of working within the fashion industry.”
— Ayla, Pupil