Art

Introduction

Art is a dynamic learning experience which offers the students the opportunity to: analyse, apply, understand, evaluate and create and as such is a very real-world problem-solving subject. Students coming into Art are expected to examine and critique their own work and come up with solutions to issues they pin point.

Students are given the opportunity to use industry software to create promotional material, advertising, marketing, and books on a topic of their choice. Students taking Art, Painting, Photography, and Print can use techniques and plan and resolve ideas to create a final piece, using problem solving to come up with creative solutions. Other opportunities exist for students to trial ideas in sculpture, collage, and multimedia.

Visual Art – Form 4

Prerequisites: This subject will build on Art principles covered in the Form 3 Visual Art course.

Course description/aims: This course covers a wide range of knowledge and skills across many disciplines in Art. Students will learn how to draw and learn about artists and their techniques, Art History, learn how to paint, New Zealand art, and also learn about what makes New Zealand artworks so sought after.

This is a great foundation year for students to prepare them for senior Fine Art, Design, and Photography and they can learn what areas of art they are best at, in order to make decisions of what discipline they would like to explore at senior level. This course is recommended for any student who seeks a career in the creative industries which covers a wide range of career paths. Students will learn the foundational skills that underpin many creative pathways at senior level.

Course outline: Main areas of study include:

Drawing: An imaginative drawing that teaches students about a wide range of drawing techniques and skills required for future pathways in architecture, sketching, Design, and Fine Art. Students will learn a vast range of techniques in depth that will be new to them
Art History and Painting: Students will learn about 19th Century painting and artists who changed the concept of art such as Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and more. They will learn to paint and create their own artwork based on the techniques of the Masters. The context of who these artists are, and why they were pioneers will set students up for senior subjects such as History, Fine Art, Design, Photography, and social sciences. Students will be skilled in Painting, Art History, politics, trade, and social contexts during the 19th Century
New Zealand Art History: Students will learn about a range of New Zealand artists, including Māori and other ethnicities. The School owns a large art collection so students can walk through campus and apply the knowledge they have learnt in context to the artworks that surround them daily. A practical component of this course is also offered with reference to Māori artworks. Students will learn the links from European contexts and indigenous, and learn about how that has impacted New Zealand through Art, Design, Architecture, and the wider creative career paths

Methods of assessment: Students are marked at the conclusion of each module. Throughout the year, work is regularly marked and an examination is set for the completion each term. The examination is based on work of each unit. This subject counts towards their aggregate and will have lessons. Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for term reports and indicate student progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Form 4 Art Pack.

Continuation of subject: Visual Art is available in Form 5 and at senior level. This is an excellent foundation course for any student who had an interest in the creative industries, and the course works well in combination with other subjects.

Art – Form 5 (NCEA Level 1)

Prerequisites: Students should have studied Visual Art in Form 4. Graphics students and others accepted with a portfolio and in consultation with the Head of Art.

Course description/aims: This is a course for students from Form 4P and 4R and aims to help students achieve NCEA Level 1. It provides a solid foundation year for students to experience a wide range of art techniques, and acquire the skills and knowledge to prepare them for senior art and pathways into the creative industries.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of New Zealand artists’ works and how and why it has been valued in the past
Students for a future in a range of careers through learning independently and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write and articulate artist’s philosophies, perceptions, influences and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological impacts on artworks

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international artists and creatives
Analysing what makes certain artists’ work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Creating a portfolio of students’ own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 5

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following NCEA Level 1 standards:

1.1 – Use practice-based visual inquiry to explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori context and another cultural context [5 Credits, Internal]
1.4 – Create a sustained body of related artworks in response to an art making proposition [5 Credits, External]

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase an art pack and workbook.

Continuation of subject: The course will split into the three Art subjects of Painting, Photography, and Design in Form 6 and Form 7. The skills students learn in Form 5 prepare students for any of these subjects for Senior Art. There are a large range of successful future pathways within the creative industries such as website design, animation, illustration, set designer, engineer, photographer, artist, marketing, and advertising.

Digital Art – Form 5 (Pre-Q)

Prerequisites: Recommended students have studied Visual Art in Form 4. Graphics students and others are accepted with a portfolio and consultation with the Head of Art.

Course description/aims: This is a foundation year which sets students up for Senior Art subjects. The course covers a wide variety of skills and prepares students for academic success in the visual art subjects, particularly of Photography and Design. With a broad range of art disciplines on offer in Form 5, 6 and 7, it is important for students to take Digital Art in Form 5 to gain experience in each field to make a well-informed decision about which discipline to choose in Form 6 and gain higher results in the following year.

Course outline: Students will be required to enter two components:

The Coursework component that is developed throughout the first half of the year. The investigation topic is to identify and explore with technical skills during Terms 1 and 2. Students must explore the topic and produce a final work. Five pages of A2 should be submitted for assessment
A Digital Portfolio with 16 weeks’ preparation time and a final examination piece to be made in a three-hour examination time. Students must explore the topic through research drawing, photography, film and animation to produce a final outcome

Methods of assessment: 50% coursework and an examination worth 50%. Students are required to produce a portfolio of digital content. The final piece of work to be produced for this portfolio will be created in the three-hour examination time at the end of the senior academic year.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase an Art pack and a workbook. Access to a camera and digital storage device is recommended.

Continuation of subject: During the year, students (with the teacher’s guidance) will have an indication of where their skill set is best suited. In Form 6, the subject of Art splits into five areas: Cambridge AS Digital Art Design, Cambridge Digital Art Photography, NCEA Level 2 Design, NCEA Level 2 Painting and NCEA Level 2 Photography. Students will be able to choose which subject they would like to study for Forms 6 and 7 and potentially for tertiary study. This subject is more suited for students who have an interest in photography, drawing, design and digital media, animation, film, and VR.

Fine Art – Form 5 (Pre-Q)

Prerequisites: Recommended students have studied Visual Art in Form 4. Graphics students and others are accepted with a portfolio and in consultation with the Head of Art.

Course description/aims: This is a foundation year that sets students up for Senior Art subjects. The course covers a wide variety of skills and prepares students for academic success in all visual art subjects, particularly in painting. With a broad range of art disciplines on offer in Forms 6 and 7, it is important for students to take Art in Form 5 to gain experience in each field to make a well-informed decision about which discipline to choose in Form 6 and gain higher results in the following year.

Course outline: Students will be required to enter two components:

The Coursework component that is developed throughout the first half of the year. The investigation topic is to identify and explore with technical skills during Terms 1 and 2. Students must explore the topic and produce a final work. Five pages of A2 should be submitted for assessment
A Portfolio with 16 weeks’ preparation time and a final examination piece to be made in a three-hour examination time. Students must explore the topic through research drawing and photography, painting and printmaking to produce a final work

Methods of assessment: 50% coursework and an examination worth 50%. Students are required to produce a portfolio no more than two A1 boards. The final piece of work to be produced for this portfolio will be created in the three-hour examination time at the end of the academic year.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase an Art pack and a workbook.

Continuation of subject: During the year, students will have an indication of where their skill set is best suited. In Form 6, the subject of Art splits into Digital Art Design (Cambridge AS), Digital Art Photography (Cambridge), Design (NCEA Level 2), Painting (NCEA Level 2) and Photography (NCEA Level 2). This subject is more suited for students who have an interest in painting, drawing, printmaking mixed media and traditional art-making methods.

Design – Form 6 (NCEA Level 2)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 5 Pre-Q Digital, or Pre-Q Fine Art or a Form 5 NCEA Level 1 Art course or may gain entry on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Form 5 Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Design
Students averaging 50-65% in Form 5 Art may find Form 6 Design difficult
Students averaging less than 40% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Design

Course description/aims: Design is one of the fastest-growing industries both nationally and internationally with huge growth in a range of areas such as: website and app design, animation, advertising and marketing, along with many others. This is a subject that sits well with business, media studies and technology. For students who have an interest in the creative industries along with an understanding of business and technological developments, these students will be developing products and services for future generations.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of designers’ work and how and why it has been valued in the past
New design techniques that will help develop students’ understanding and progression of the subject, especially by using industry-based software packages
Students for a future in a range of careers through learning in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write and articulate about designers’ philosophies, perceptions, influences and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological factors on design

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international designers and creatives
Analysing what makes certain designers’ work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Tackling challenges of products and services in the market place and how students think independently to create solutions for the particular needs of the client

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 6.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

2.1 – Demonstrating an understanding of methods and ideas from established practice in Design [4 Credits, Internal]
2.2 – Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art-making conventions and ideas within Design [12 Credits, External]

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment/costs: Students are required to purchase a Design pack and workbook. Students are also expected to purchase the Adobe Suite for an annual fee of around $10 and can be accessed from School and home.

Continuation of subject: Design at NCEA Level 3 is offered and pathways into tertiary education include institutions such as, AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne. A wide range of other industries such as research and development, product development and virtual products also require Design.

Fine Art – Form 6 (AS)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed a Pre-Q Art programme or may be considered upon application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work. A computer at home is useful.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Pre-Q Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Painting
Students averaging 50-65% in Pre-Q Art may find Form 6 Painting difficult
Students averaging less than 50% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Fine Art

Course description/aims: Fine Art is a subject that can be used across many industries such as set design, television and film, animation and fashion as well as becoming an established artist. Now with the use of social media, it is more accessible to become a freelance artist, painter or illustrator as a career path than ever before. New Zealand artists and illustrators are now sort after with growth in ‘hands on artistic skills’ students have a very realistic career in the fine arts.

Course outline:

The year follows a process that includes:

Researching of both New Zealand and International painters and artists
Analysing what makes certain artists work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Completing two areas of study: Component One and Component Two

Methods of assessment: There are two components:

50% coursework during Terms 1 and 2
50% of preparatory work and a 15 hour examination in Term 3, to be sent to the United Kingdom for assessment. The AS mark makes up 50% of the final A Level mark if students continue through to A2.

Regular School examinations and coursework is assessed throughout the year for reporting.

Special equipment/costs: Students are required to purchase a Painting pack and workbook.

Continuation of subject: Painting is available as a continuation of the AS course for a full A-level at Form 7. This course also leads to further study at tertiary education providers such as, AUT, Massey University, Whitecliffe, Elam and Ilam and career opportunities in a wide range of other industries such as set design, film, television, and being a freelance artist.

Digital Art Design – Form 6 (AS)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 5 Pre-Q Digital Art or Form 5 Pre-Q Fine Arts programme or may be admitted on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work. A computer at home is useful.

Restrictions: Students who wish to take AS Digital Art Photography cannot also choose AS Digital Art Design.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Form 5 Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Digital Art Design
Students averaging 50-65% in Form 5 Art may find Form 6 Digital Art Design difficult
Students averaging less than 50% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Digital Art Design

Course description/aims: Design is one of the fastest-growing industries both nationally and internationally with huge growth in a range of areas such as: website and app design, animation, advertising and marketing and many others. This subject is an internationally recognised qualification and therefore can be helpful with entry into tertiary institutes. This course has a commercial application involving a wide range of skills from moving image, motion graphics, film, advertising and animation. Students should understand different styles, genres and techniques of moving image. They should be able to describe how the direction and production of their moving images relate to social, cultural, geographical or historical contexts. Students should also demonstrate an understanding of their audience and how the finished outcome will be viewed.

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching of both New Zealand and international designers and creatives
Analysing what makes certain designers’ work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Tackling challenges of products and services in the market, including showing students how to think independently to create solutions for the particular needs of the client

Methods of assessment: There are two components:

Component One consists of course work during the year which is worth 50% of the final grade
Component Two consists of a 10-hour examination which will be sent to the United Kingdom for assessment and is worth 50% of the final grade. The AS mark makes up 50% of the final A Level mark if students continue through to A2 Level

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Design pack and workbook. Students are also expected to purchase the Adobe Suite for an annual fee of around $10 and can be accessed from School and home.

Continuation of subject: Design is available as a continuation of the AS course for a full A Level at Form 7. This course also leads into tertiary education institutes such as: AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne. A wide range of other industries such as research and development, product development and virtual products also require Digital Art Design.

Design – Form 7 (NCEA Level 3)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 Level 2 NCEA Design course or only on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students who have achieved Merit or Excellence in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Design have an appropriate achievement level to study Level 3 Design
Students who have Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Design may find Level 3 Design challenging
Students who have not Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Design are not recommended to take Level 3 Design

Course description/aims: Design is one of the fastest-growing industries both nationally and internationally with huge growth in a range of areas such as: website and app design, animation, advertising and marketing and many others. During this year, students will learn a much more in-depth understanding of Design which is more aligned with university and industry standards. Students will create a portfolio of work of their own chosen topic within Design and also have the opportunity to opt for NZQA Scholarship Design if they wish.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of designers’ works and how and why it has been valued in the past
New design techniques that will help develop student’s understanding and progression of the subject, especially by using industry-based software packages
Students for a future in a range of design careers through learning in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write and articulate designer’s philosophies, perceptions, influences and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological factors on design

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching of both New Zealand and International Designers and creatives
Analysing what makes certain designers work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Tackling challenges of products and services in the market place. and how students think independently to create solutions for the particular needs of the client

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 7.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

3.1 – Analyse methods and ideas from established design practice [4 Credits, Internal]
3.4 – Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within design practice [14 Credits, External]

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Design pack and workbook. Students are also expected to purchase the Adobe Suite for an annual fee of around $10 and can be accessed from School and home.

Continuation of subject: This course leads into tertiary education institutes such as AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne. A wide range of other industries such as research and development, product development and virtual products also require Design.

Design – Form 7 (A2)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 AS Design Course and passed the AS components before doing the A2 Design course.

Course description/aims: Design is one of the fastest-growing industries both nationally and internationally with huge growth in a range of areas such as: website and app design, animation, advertising and marketing and many others. During this year, students will develop a much more in-depth understanding of Design which is more aligned with university and industry standards. Students will complete the last two components of Cambridge Design and will also have the opportunity to opt for NZQA Scholarship Design if they wish.

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international designers and creatives
Analysing in depth what makes certain designers’ work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Tackling challenges of products and services in the marketplace and how students think independently to create solutions for the particular needs of the client

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

Component Three: Coursework
The students will research and develop their own idea for design and show how they have addressed problems and potential solutions to meet the needs of the marketplace. This will consist of an A2-sized practical portfolio of work, plus a 1,000-1500-word essay externally-assessed by Cambridge.

Regular School examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for term reports and indicate student progress.

Continuation of subject: Design is offered at tertiary level with qualifications in Design up to PhD level. These degrees are offered at many tertiary institutions such as AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne. A wide range of other industries such as research and development, product development and virtual products would use designers with this sort of qualification.

Painting – Form 6 (NCEA Level 2)

Pre-requisites: It is highly recommended that students have completed the Form 5 Pre-Q Digital Art, Pre-Q Fine Art or NCEA Level 1 Art course, or may be considered upon an application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Form 5 Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Painting
Students averaging 50-65% in Form 5 Art may find Form 6 Painting difficult
Students averaging less than 50% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Painting

Course description/aims: Painting and the creative arts sector have more to offer now than ever before. With students now able to upload their work on social media and have their own website of their portfolios, students are able to reach out to a wider range of industries and have a successful career within this subject. Creative thinking and the processes learnt in this course will offer students the skills required in business, such as advertising and marketing, exhibition design, publishing and illustrating. Painting is one of the most popular subjects within visual arts because of its opportunities in a wide range of industries.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of painting and how and why it has been valued in the past
New painting techniques that will help develop students’ understanding and progression of the subject
Students for a future in a range of careers through developing in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write about and articulate about artists’ philosophies, perceptions, and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological factors on painting

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international artists and painters
Analysing what makes their work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
How the students can adopt these skills to extend and improve their work, and then to go beyond the artists’ techniques to develop their own style

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 6.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

2.1 – Demonstrating an understanding of methods and ideas from established practice in Painting [4 Credits, Internal]
2.4 – Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within Painting [12 Credits, External]

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a painting pack and workbook.

Continuation of subject: Painting at NCEA Level 3 is offered and there are pathways into tertiary education with Fine Arts and a range of other industries.

Painting – Form 7 (NCEA Level 3)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Painting course or may be able to study this subject only on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students who have achieved Merit or Excellence in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Painting have an appropriate achievement level to study Level 3 Painting
Students who have Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Painting may find Level 3 Painting challenging
Students who have not Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Painting are not recommended to take Level 3 Painting

Course description/aims: Painting and the creative arts sector have more to offer now than ever before. With students now able to upload their work on social media and have their own website of their portfolios, students are able to reach out to a wider range of industries and have a successful career within this field. The course work is much more in-depth than Form 6, with a larger portfolio of work and a higher skill level required. The year is based on tertiary-level course work and provides students with the opportunity to work independently and create a body of work that prepares them for the creative industry.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of painting and how and why it has been valued in the past.
New painting techniques that will help develop students’ understanding and progression of the subject
Students for a future in a range of careers through learning in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write about and articulate artists’ philosophies, perceptions, and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious factors and technological factors on painting

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international artists and painters
Analysing what makes their work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
How students can adopt these skills to extend and improve their work, and then to go beyond the artists’ techniques to develop their own style

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 7.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

3.1 – Demonstrating an understanding of methods and ideas from established practice in Painting [4 Credits, Internal]
3.4 – Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within painting practice [14 Credits, External]

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Painting pack and workbook.

Continuation of subject: Painting leads into tertiary education with a degree in Fine Arts and a wide range of other creative industries, such as design, illustration, set design, interior design, film industry, becoming an artist, and in conjunction with a business degree or taking papers in business and using their work as a viable product.

Painting – Form 7 (A2)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 AS Painting course and passed the AS components before doing the A2 Painting course.

Course description/aims: Painting is a subject that can be used in many industries such as set design, television and film, animation and fashion. This course is much more in-depth than Form 6 Painting and prepares students for tertiary study in the creative fields. Now thanks to social media, it is easier than ever before to become a freelance artist and/or illustrator for big firms when students can create a portfolio of their artworks and upload them onto their own website. Students can build up their own client base and work as a professional freelancer.

Artists and illustrators are now sort after as many people in the past have not thought it was a viable career path, but now with easy access to social media and a shortage of skilled artists, students have a very realistic career in the fine arts. This subject would work well with other subjects such as Business Studies, Accounting and Media Studies.

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international painters and artists
Analysing what makes certain artists’ work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

Component Three – Course work
Students will research and develop their own idea for painting and show skills and theories within their own practice. This will consist of an A2 size practical portfolio of work, plus a 1,000-1,500-word essay, externally-assessed by Cambridge.

Regular School examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for term reports and indicate student progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Painting pack and workbook.

Continuation of subject: Painting is offered at tertiary level with degree qualifications in Fine Arts up to PhD level. These courses are offered at a range of tertiary institutes such as, AUT, Massey University, Whitecliffe, Elam, and Ilam. A wide range of other industries use these qualifications such as, set design, film, television, and freelance artists.

Photography – Form 6 (NCEA Level 2)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 5 Pre-Q Digital Art, Pre-Q Fine Art or NCEA Level 1 Art course or may gain entry only on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work. Students must have a DSLR Camera for the course.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Form 5 Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Photography
Students averaging 50-65% in Form 5 Art may find Form 6 Photography difficult
Students averaging less than 50% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Photography

Course description/aims: Photography is a subject that is used in a range of professions and industries. The range of pathways that this subject can lead into is vast and potentially lucrative, and includes fields such as journalism, fashion and modelling, property sales and interior design to 3D animation, cinematography, film, and advertising.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of photographers’ work and how and why it has been valued in the past
New photographic techniques that will help develop students’ understanding and progression of the subject, especially by using industry-based software packages
Students for a future in a range of careers through learning in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write about and articulate photographers’ philosophies, perceptions, influences and techniques
Understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological factors on photography

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international photographers and creatives
Analysing what makes certain photographers work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Students taking many photoshoots and using a range of techniques and software to create new styles, techniques and applying to their own work

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 6.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following standards:

2.1 – Demonstrate an understanding of methods and ideas from established practice in Photography [4 Credits, Internal]
2.4 – Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within Photography [12 Credits, External]

Regular School examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Continuation of subject: Photography at NCEA Level 3 is offered and this course opens pathways into tertiary education, as well as a vast range of industries.

Digital Art Photography – Form 6 (AS)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 5 Pre-Q Digital Art or Pre-Q Fine Art course and students who completed Pre-Q Digital Art will be given preference. Students may gain entry only on application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work. A computer at home is useful. Students must have a DSLR camera for this subject.

Restrictions: Students who wish to take AS Digital Art Design cannot also choose AS Digital Art Photography.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 65% in Form 5 Art have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 6 Digital Art Photography
Students averaging 50-65% in Form 5 Art may find Form 6 Digital Art Photography difficult
Students averaging less than 50% in Form 5 Art are not recommended to take Form 6 Digital Art Photography

Course description/aims: Photography has become one of the most popular subjects both at school and within the creative industries. This subject can lead into a wide variety of industries such as film, fashion, property, advertising and marketing, journalism and digital media. An interest in Business Studies would be beneficial, and especially with the ability to upload a portfolio online, students can start freelance photography at an early age.

Students should understand different styles and genres of photography. They should be able to describe how their final images, composition and manipulation relate to social, cultural, geographical or historical contexts.

Students should be able to communicate meaning through their images and be able to select the appropriate working style or genre for different types of photography, depending on the theme or brief.

Students should also demonstrate an understanding of how their images will be viewed, depending on the brief.

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching of both New Zealand and international photographers and creatives
Analysing what makes certain photographers work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work

Methods of assessment:

Component One consists of course work during the year which is worth 50% of the final grade
Component Two consists of a 10-hour examination which will be sent to the United Kingdom for assessment and is worth 50% of the final grade. The AS mark makes up 50% of the final A Level grade if students continue through to A2 Level

Regular examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for term reports and indicate student progress.

Continuation of subject: Photography is available as a continuation of the AS course for a full A Level at Form 7. This course also leads into tertiary education at institutions such as: AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne. A wide range of other industries such as cinematography, lighting design and film also require Digital Art Photography.

Photography – Form 7 (NCEA Level 3)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Photography course or may be considered upon application to the Head of Art with a suitable portfolio of work. Students must have a DSLR Camera for the course.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students who have achieved Merit or Excellence in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Photography have an appropriate achievement level to study Level 3 Photography
Students who have Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Photography may find Level 3 Photography challenging
Students who have not Achieved in Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Photography are not recommended to take Level 3 Photography

Course description/aims: Photography is a subject that is used in a range of professions and industries. The Form 7 Photography course work is much more in-depth than Form 6, with a larger portfolio of work and a higher skill level. This year is based on a tertiary-level course work and provides students the opportunity to work independently and create a body of work that prepares them for the creative industry. The range of pathways that this subject can lead into is vast, from journalism, fashion and modelling, property sales and interior design to 3D animation, cinematography, film and advertising.

This course develops:

Historical knowledge of photographers’ work and how and why it has been valued in the past
New photographic techniques that will help develop student understanding and progression of the subject, especially by using industry-based software packages
Students for a future in a range of careers through learning in an independent learning style and taking ownership for a self-directed portfolio of work
The ability to analyse, write and articulate photographers’ philosophies, perceptions, influences and techniques
An understanding of the impact of social, political, religious and technological factors on photography

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international artists and photographers
Analysing what makes their work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work
Understanding how the student can adopt these skills to extend and improve their work, and then to go beyond the artists’ techniques to develop their own style

Students will then create a portfolio of their own work throughout the year to be exhibited at the end of Form 7.

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following NCEA Level 3 Achievement Standards:

3.1 – Analyse methods and ideas from established photography practice [4 Credits, Internal]
3.4 – Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within photography practice [14 Credits, External]

Regular School examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for reports and indicate progress.

Special equipment and costs: Students are required to purchase a Design pack and workbook. Students are also expected to purchase the Adobe Suite for a fee of around $10. The software can be accessed from School and home for the year.

Continuation of subject: Photography leads into a tertiary education with a degree in Fine Arts and can lead to a career in a wide range of creative industries, such as journalism, film, cinematography, interior design, fashion, and becoming a photographer, and in conjunction with a business degree or taking papers in business and using their work as a viable product.

Photography – Form 7 (A2)

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the Form 6 AS course and passed the AS components before doing the A2 Photography course. Students must have a DSLR camera for the course.

Course description/aims: Photography has become one of the most popular subjects both at school and within the creative industries. In the millennial age where social media and photography have become more readily accessible and viable as a career path, it can lead into a wide variety of industries such as cinematography, fashion, property, advertising and marketing.

An interest in Business Studies or Accounting is beneficial, and especially with the ability to upload a portfolio online, students can start freelance photography at an early age. This course is much more in-depth than Form 6 Photography and prepares students for tertiary study in the creative fields.

Course outline: The year follows a process that includes:

Researching both New Zealand and international photographers and creatives
Analysing in depth what makes certain photographers work successful, influential and topical and what techniques they have developed in their own work

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed against the following components:

Component Three – Coursework
Students will research and develop their own idea for photography and photographers’ theories and skills in their own practice. This will consist of an A2 size practical portfolio of work plus a 1,000-1,500-word essay, externally-assessed by Cambridge.

Regular School examinations, essays and seminars will provide marks for term reports and indicate student progress.

Continuation of subject: Photography is available as a continuation of the subject to A2 level into tertiary education at institutions such as AUT, Massey University, Monash and RMIT in Melbourne, and a wide range of other industries such as cinematography, lighting design, and film.

If you have any further questions please contact our staff today.

Art

IT Helpdesk