TGt Meets...Karen Pau, Program Leader of HN Textiles at New College

Meet our newest TGt Meets...Karen Pau, the program leader of HN Textiles at New College. We got to know exactly what inspired Karen to become a teacher and why you should consider attending New College!

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I have been teaching Art & Design, Textiles and Fashion at New College for nearly 28 years.  I lead the Art & Photography departments, which have nearly 400 students studying from level 1 to level 5. My specialism is in print, pattern, constructed and decorated textiles.

Describe your job role in one sentence…

Lecturer in Textiles and Fashion and program leader for HN Textiles.

What inspired you to become a lecturer?

I have always loved art!  Whilst at Art School I used to help with art weeks at local primary schools.  This started my interest and love of teaching and working with young creative minds.

What is your favourite part of the curriculum?

I thoroughly enjoy all the practical aspects of my job in particular working with groups of students developing their creative ideas and exploring different techniques and process in textiles & art.

Who would you say has been the most influential person in your field?

There are many! Couture designers like Dior and Balenciaga have always fascinated me.

What are the key modules that are studied?

In year one, HNC students cover 8 units: Professional Development, Contextual Studies, CAD/CAM, Techniques & Processes in Art & Textiles, Advanced Fashion & Textiles Studies, Textiles Technology (Weave, Knit) and Surface Design (Print & Stitch), Final Individual Project working on a theme.

In Year two, HND students cover 6 units in; Professional Practice, Advanced Textiles Studies, Trend forecasting, Creative Entrepreneurship, Creative Work Placement, Final Collaborative Project working on a theme.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in joining your course?

You will need to have the appropriate entry requirements: 3 A Levels (including an art subject), BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Art & Design, GCSE Maths and English Language. You also need to have a competent level of ICT literacy and be creative, inquisitive, resilient, hardworking, enthusiastic and committed.

Who is the course well suited to?

Anybody wishing to start a career in the creative industries, particularly in textiles and fashion, someone who wants to upskill or change their creative direction, someone who wants to start their own creative business or enterprise.

If you were hosting a dinner party and had to invite 3 people from any point in time, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Another difficult question! Definitely Zandra Rhodes, David Bowie & Alexander McQueen.

What are the progression options for those who take this course?

Learners can top up the HND at University to a BA by either entering the second or final year.  Learners also go straight into employment or set up their own businesses/practice or work as freelance designers.

Find out more about New College HERE!