Visual Arts Faculty

• Credit: Nil
• Trips: Nil
• Cost: $25 Material Fee
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list

Course: This course is focused on developing student's technical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Students engage in projects which challenge and deepen their understanding of the physical world as well as stimulate creative imagination. Students will work in a variety of media and investigate traditional and contemporary artistic approaches. Studying Visual Arts will develop student's ability to think creatively and learn important visual communication skills. This course prepares students for further study in the Visual Arts, where they can specialise in Senior Art subjects of Design, Photography, Painting, Sculpture and Art history.

• Credit:8
• Trips:2
• Cost: $75 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school per year.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list

Course: This course introduces students to techniques and processes specific to the fields of Painting, Design, Sculpture, Printmaking and Photography. Each unit of work has its own exciting theme and students explore a range of technical skills linked to artists' methods and ideas. Students will also have the opportunity to be introduced to digital art-making processes using Adobe Photoshop. This course provides the essential foundations necessary for students to have ongoing success in Level 1 Art.

• Credit:22
• Trips:1
• Cost: $75 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school per year
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list
• Qualification: NCEA Level 1

Course: This is an innovative programme designed to introduce and extend a student's understanding of art making, through the exploration of a broad range of ideas, techniques and creative processes. Students will develop artistic responses to one broad theme and learn to generate, develop and clarify these thematic ideas using a wide range of media and processes. The focus of this year is on developing conceptual ideas and specialist skills for Painting, Design, Sculpture and Photography, which become individual subject options for students in Level 2. In the first half of the year students will initially submit work towards two internal Achievement Standards and then produce a portfolio of work towards their External assessment. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects. This course provides the essential foundations necessary for students to have ongoing success in Level 2 and 3 Visual Art specialist subjects and is therefore a prerequisite for Level 2 Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture.

• Credit:20
• Trips:1
• Cost: $25
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. It is recommended that students have their own laptop for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 2 Art History
• Prerequisites: Strong performance in Level 1 English or History, or by Head of Faculty permission.

Course: The Topic of study for this course is "Towards Modernism" which covers 19th Century Art in France. This was a time of dramatic social and political change in world history brought on by the Age of Enlightenment, French Revolutions and the Industrial Age. Art movements from Neo-Classicism to Post Impressionism are studied to unravel artists' ideas and views as a reflection of life in this rapidly changing and tumultuous world. Study in Art History is complementary to other subjects such as History and Classics and does not need to be taken in conjunction with Practical Art. It is however a valuable subject for Visual Art students and is especially beneficial to those students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. All credits gained in the course are NCEA Literacy credits in either reading or writing. Students choosing this course must show an ability to respond to teacher led research and written tasks in the classroom and the ability to work independently. This course requires strong analytical and literacy skills. Evidence of a strong performance in Level 1 English, or History recommended. This course leads directly on to Level 3 Art History.

• Credit:20
• Trips:1
• Cost: $25
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. It is recommended that students have their own laptop for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 3 Art History
• Prerequisites: 12 credits in Level 2 Art History, or strong performance in Level 2 English, History or Classical Studies with Head of Faculty permission

Course: This course builds on from student learning in the Level 2 Art History course by developing a greater depth of understanding of Art in relation to Context and Theory. The Topic of study is "Early Modernism" which takes place in first half of the 20th Century, a time period which covers both world wars and ground-breaking advances in science, technology and psychology. This was also a period of accelerated social, political, and philosophical change. Art movements from Cubism to Surrealism are studied to unravel artists' reinvention and interpretation of reality in this modern and uncertain age. Study in Art History is complimentary to other subjects such as History and Classics and does not need to be taken in conjunction with Practical Art. It is however a valuable subject for Visual Art students and is especially beneficial to those students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. All credits gained in the course are NCEA Literacy credits in either reading or writing. Students choosing this course must show an ability to respond to teacher led research and written tasks in the classroom and the ability to work independently. This course requires strong analytical and literacy skills. Evidence of a strong performance in Level 2 Art History, English, History or Classical Studies recommended.

• Credit:20
• Trips:Nil
• Cost: $150 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. It is recommended that students have their own laptop (capable of running Adobe Suite software) for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 2
• Prerequisites: 12 credits in Level 1 ART external assessment or by Head of Faculty permission

Course: This course builds on design and multi-media skills and techniques that have been developed in Level 1 Art. This focus is on Graphic Design, a process of visual communication and problem solving through the use of image, layout, typography, symbols and graphic elements. Students will develop skills in generating imagery through photographic and drawing processes and become proficient in digital image-making techniques using Photoshop and other Adobe suite software. Students will select their own theme to guide individual design scenarios and briefs. Although print-based media is the most common area of study, illustration, animation and moving digital media are additional avenues for exploration linked to this course. A conceptual approach is encouraged to stimulate creative, 'out-of-the-box' ideas and experimental Design approaches. Students will also build upon the ideas of both traditional and contemporary designers in their own practise. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L2ADS, L2APA, L2APH or L2ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L2AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This course leads directly into Level 3 Design and is especially beneficial for students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects. This course is a prerequisite for Level 3 Design.

• Credit:22
• Trips:1
• Cost: $150 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. It is recommended that students have their own laptop (capable of running Adobe Suite software) for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 3
• Prerequisites: 12 credits (High Achieved) in Level 2 ADS external assessment

Course: This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in Level 2 Design and will further student expertise in this field. At this level students will be expected to choose their own themes, and study the work of contemporary designers to generate their own unique body of work. Experimental and skilful technical skills with digital media are fostered and developed as students explore a wide range of thematic ideas. Although print-based media is the most common area of study, illustration, animation and moving digital media are additional avenues for exploration linked to this course. Divergent, experimental and conceptual thinking is encouraged and an eye for detail and precision is essential for success. There is a large external assessment component to this course which will require students to submit 3 folio panels of original work. Students with a strong understanding of Design processes and concepts will also be eligible to enter Visual Arts Scholarship (Design), which is a separate external submission. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L3ADS, L3APA, L3APH or L3ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L3AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This is a valuable subject for those students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects.

• Credit:20
• Trips:Nil
• Cost: $90 Material Fee.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list
• Qualification: NCEA Level 2
• Prerequisites: 12 credits in Level 1 ART External assessment or by Head of Faculty permission

Course: This course builds on painting and multi-media skills and techniques that have been developed in Level 1 Art. At this level students select from a range of themes to guide their individual art-making. A conceptual approach is encouraged to stimulate creative, 'out-of-the-box' thematic ideas and experimental painting approaches. Students will also build upon the ideas of both traditional and contemporary artists in their own practise. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L2ADS, L2APA, L2APH or L2ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L2AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This course leads directly into Level 3 Painting and is especially beneficial for students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects. This course is a prerequisite for Level 3 Painting.

• Credit:22
• Trips:Nil
• Cost: $90 Material Fee.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list
• Qualification: NCEA Level 3
• Prerequisites: 12 credits (High Achieved) in Level 2 APA external assessment

Course: This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in Level 2 Painting and will further student expertise in this field. At this level students will be expected to choose their own themes and study the work of contemporary artists to generate their own individual programmes. Experimental and skilful technical skills with wet and dry media are also fostered and developed as students explore a wide range of thematic ideas. Divergent, experimental and conceptual thinking approaches are encouraged and strong drawings skills are essential for success. There is a large external assessment component to this course which will require students to submit 3 folio panels of original work. Students with a strong understanding of Painting processes and concepts will also be eligible to enter Visual Arts Scholarship (Painting), which is a separate external submission. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L3ADS, L3APA, L3APH or L3ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L3AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This is a valuable subject for students interested in studying Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects.

• Credit:20
• Trips:Nil
• Cost: $200 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. Students also require a DSLR camera. It is recommended that students have their own laptop (capable of running Adobe Suite software) for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 2
• Prerequisites: 12 Level 1 ART credits from external assessment or by Head of Faculty permission

Course: This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in Level 1 Art and is designed to teach students the technical skills of how to operate a digital SLR Camera, set-up for photoshoots, the operation of studio lighting, and techniques for digital image post production using Adobe Suite. Students' learning will focus on original and creative thinking, and gathering ideas from established photography practitioners. A conceptual approach is encouraged to stimulate creative, 'out-of-the-box' thematic ideas and experimental photographic approaches. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L2ADS, L2APA, L2APH or L2ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L2AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This course leads directly into Level 3 Photography and is especially beneficial for students interested in studying Photography, Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects.

• Credit:22-26
• Trips:1
• Cost: $200 Material Fee + $15 Adobe subscription per subject (maximum $30 per student) for the use of the Adobe Suite at school.
• Additional Cost: See subject stationery list. Students also require a DSLR camera. It is recommended that students have their own laptop (capable of running Adobe Suite software) for this course.
• Qualification: NCEA Level 3
• Prerequisites: 12 credits (High Achieved) in Level 2 APH external assessment

Course: This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in Level 2 Photography and is designed to further students' technical expertise in operating a digital SLR Camera. Students are also expected to create outstanding images using digital post production techniques and studio lighting at an industry standard. Students' learning will focus on original and creative thinking, and gathering ideas from established photography practitioners. A conceptual approach is encouraged to stimulate creative, 'out-of-the-box' thematic ideas and experimental photographic approaches. There is a large external assessment component to this course which will require students to submit 3 folio panels of original work. Students with a strong understanding of Photography processes and concepts will also be eligible to enter Visual Arts Scholarship (Photography), which is a separate external submission. With permission of the Head of Faculty, students may take up to two practical Visual Art subjects i.e. any combination of two of the following: L3ADS, L3APA, L3APH or L3ASC. In addition to this students could also benefit from taking L3AHST which will further enhance their understanding of art and artists. This is a valuable subject for students interested in studying Photography, Art, Design or Architecture at a Tertiary level. Students are reminded that there is a heavy homework requirement with all Visual Art subjects.