NCEA L3 Design A
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs D. Cave-Higgins.
Level 3 Design - Semester A (Code: DES3A) - UE List A approved
This is a course designed for students keen to further develop their existing Design and general art skills. It is an advanced course where design skills in media, both digital and hand-drawn, are carefully honed towards Merit and Excellence. The main focus in 'Visual Art - Design' is the graphic design processes.
- Freehand and digital drawing skills
- Finishing tools including Adobe applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Graphic design processes
- Basic photography
- Research & Design Principles
- Layout and composition
Students may also choose to upskill in a range of Adobe products including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
The design process is very structured and clear; concepts, developments, final. The design principles will appeal to the most creative student and also the most clinically minded. Design process will support the development of research and higher order thinking skills. Students will choose their own ideas, conceptual premise and theme to explore in this course.
In Semester B, a 14 credit, 3 panel folio may be produced by those who are choosing Semester A and B. (DES3A + DES3B)
This planning and successful production of the external folio will allow for 'course endorsement'. With teacher guidance, every student will produce their own range of ideas and artworks. It will often reflect their interests and aspirations.
Level 3 Design student researching and developing ideas in his workbook
Each folio is unique and the student programme is personalized to the suit the individual. It is their ideas and conceptual journey which must be supported by the kaiako / teacher.
Scholarship, an exam beyond Level 3, is available in this discipline; Design. Students will 'opt in' and gain regular support and guidance. This is available for anyone who is keen to do what it takes to succeed in a Visual Arts Scholarship submission. We have had many Excellences, Scholarships and Outstanding Scholarships over the recent years. The 'exam' is completed concurrently with the Level 3 years work. Essentially all the gathered workbook information is distilled down to eight A3 pages of inter-connected essence which are submitted in November. (an example page is below)
Course Overview
Semester A
Semester A
– Internals only (3.2 - 4 credits, 3.3 - 4 credits) will be offered.
This is available as a 'taster course' or as a gateway to the 14 credit L3 folio.
Students who wish to complete the folio (3.4) must also select Semester B. (DES3A + DES3B)
This enables the possibility of course endorsement.
Recommended Prior Learning
This course is open entry. However, some level of understanding about Art would be an advantage. Useful subjects would include L2 Visual Arts Design, DGR(Design and Graphics) or Digital Technology.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Contribution to take home components is expected. This will include specialist papers and folio cardboards.
Pathway
This Level 3 course is UE Approved. It is an excellent option for anyone considering a career in any design, architecture or other art related. Many of the other knowledge gained through this subject, including the high order thinking skills, are desirable and transferrable at tertiary level.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
Total Credits Available: 26 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 14 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 26
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Pathway Tags
Animator/Digital Artist, Advertising Specialist, Patternmaker, Architect, Architectural Technician, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Artist, Film and Video Editor, Baker, Tailor/Dressmaker, Chemical Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Tattoo Artist, Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Urban/Regional Planner, Cutter, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Painter and Decorator, Communications Professional, Telecommunications Engineer, Industrial Designer, Jeweller, Make-up Artist, Visual Merchandiser, Exhibition and Collections Technician, Florist, Lighting Technician, Game Developer, Landscape Architect, Landscaper, Hairdresser/Barber, Photographer, Printer, Signmaker, User Experience Designer,