Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) continues to strengthen teaching quality through senior observation, professional reflection and a commitment to continuous improvement. Following a programme of tutor reviews and teaching observations at the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) in Leicester, CEO Jenny Holloway continued this work in Islington, observing tutors delivering sessions at the FC Designer Workspace (FCDW), based on Durham Road.
The observations form part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, supporting tutor development and ensuring that learners receive an inclusive, engaging and effective educational experience. Senior observation provides an opportunity to review teaching practice in a live learning environment, recognise effective approaches and identify opportunities for further development. It also gives tutors valuable space to reflect on their methods, consider constructive feedback and explore ways to enhance their delivery.
At FTA Islington, Jenny observed Manuela Tavares, Senior Tutor and FCDW Manager, during a session with her new Pattern Cutting cohort, alongside Stitching Tutor, Louisa Christodoulou, who also welcomed the opportunity to reflect on her teaching practice.
The observations highlighted the importance of creating a culture in which professional feedback is viewed not simply as an assessment exercise, but as an essential part of continuing development. For tutors working with learners from different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience, the ability to adapt teaching methods and respond to individual learning needs is particularly important.
Manuela teaches Pattern Cutting reflected on her observation, she emphasised the value of constructive feedback in developing her professional practice. “Teaching observations can sometimes feel nerve-racking, but I recognise how important they are for professional development. I believe that receiving constructive feedback is essential to reflecting on my teaching practice, identifying areas for improvement, and developing more effective teaching methods.”
Manuela also highlighted her commitment to inclusive teaching that recognises the different needs, abilities and learning styles of individual learners. “As a tutor, it is important to me that I provide high-quality teaching that is inclusive, engaging, and responsive to the diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles of my learners. I welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn, adapt my approach, and continue developing my skills to ensure that every learner receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.”
Her reflections demonstrate the importance of combining subject knowledge and practical teaching expertise with a willingness to review and refine teaching approaches. In specialist areas such as pattern cutting, where learners develop technical skills through practical application, clear instruction, appropriate guidance and responsive support all contribute to the learning experience.
Louisa also welcomed the opportunity to receive feedback from Jenny and consider how her teaching could continue to develop. Reflecting on the observation, she said: “Yesterday’s observation was a great opportunity to receive feedback from Jenny and identify areas for improvement. I enjoy teaching and working with learners from different backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.
“Gaining a different perspective on my teaching practice and understanding what I can improve is extremely beneficial, both for my professional development as a tutor and for the future learners I will support. I believe that reflecting on feedback and being open to new approaches will help me continue to develop my teaching methods and provide a positive, inclusive learning experience for all learners.”
Louisa’s comments reinforce the value of professional dialogue and the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on teaching. Reflective practice enables tutors to consider how their delivery can be adapted to meet learners’ needs and how future sessions might be strengthened.
The continuation of senior teaching observations from Leicester to Islington reflects FTA’s focus on reviewing teaching practice across its learning environments. Observation and feedback provide a structured opportunity to examine how teaching is delivered, encourage professional discussion and identify areas for further development. Equally, they recognise the importance of tutors being open to learning, sharing experience and continually refining their approach.
At the heart of this process is the learner experience. Effective teaching must do more than communicate knowledge: it should help learners build confidence, develop practical abilities and access the guidance they need to progress. By encouraging tutors to engage positively with observation and constructive feedback, FTA supports a professional culture in which improvement is an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise. As senior observations continue across the academy, the focus remains on supporting tutors, strengthening teaching practice and maintaining an environment where learners can develop their skills and fulfil their potential.