NCEA Level 3 Photography
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Mrs V. Moore-Allen.
This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in level 2 Photography.
Students in this Year 13 photography course will hone skills in the technical and creative possibilities of photography as an art form and build their visual literacy and understanding of the creative process.
They will extend camera skills and build on their understanding of image making and visual communication. They will refine technical skills of how to operate a digital SLR camera, studio photography, site-based photography, and techniques for post production using Adobe Suites.
The focus is on original and creative thinking, using a range of experimental approaches and photographic conventions. Students will complete a printed or digital folio submission of their own photographic images. This could be a moving image submission, or sequences of still photographs presented on a three-panel folio board.
This course teaches contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. The fundamentals of using a digital single reflex camera are stressed, but the camera itself is redefined in this class. Students will explore other technologies and can utilise everything from cell phones, the scanner as a camera, disposable cameras, film cameras, video cameras - all as legitimate tools for creating photographic work.
This course teaches students to see, think and create with a critical mind and eye on the world in which they live. They bring this to the crafting and manipulation of photographic forms and meaning. Students will become far more aware of and attentive to the richness and complexity of the physical world, culture and societies in which we live. This subject will develop students as thinkers, deepening connections and awareness of themselves and others. It has value beyond the development of Photography skills only.
Students need to be committed to being active learners, and to taking photographs in- and outside the classroom. You will need to participate in interesting, challenging class and homework tasks throughout the year. This will ensure that all students complete their portfolio of work to a high standard. Do not take this course if you are a passive learner ... you must participate actively.
Students are expected to create high quality images and develop the aesthetic, technical, conceptual skills needed to create a professional practice. Students will be guided and supported throughout the course to be able to accomplish this.
They will further appreciate the technical and conceptual complexity that characterizes photography and moving image, while enhancing their ability to discuss their own work and the work of others.
Students will complete a portfolio of original photographic or moving image work. They will gain further understanding of methods and ideas that form contemporary photography practice and develop critical and creative thinking skills.
Course Overview
Term 1
Review of conventions / DSLR technical workshops
Adobe Review
Studio photography
Site-based photography
Extending and refining photography, camera, and editing skills.
Establishing a photography journal and digital portfolio practice.
Multiple and varied photo shoots, resulting in production of 4 sequences of edited work.
Term 2
The Crit - Review and deeper understanding of the art of analysis. Class analysis of peer work
Art Gallery Field Trips
The Artist - Lessons dedicated to the viewing of different photographers local and international, present and past.
The Concept - Introduction to thematic concepts and how to investigate an idea.
Completion of internal AS 3.2 focusing on use of photography conventions
Multiple new photo-shoots focusing on People, Place, Objects
Establish your folio theme - write a proposal - complete at least 3 photo shoots for your theme by end of Term 2.
Edit work - produce at least 3 sequences of work exploring ideas for your theme.
Term 3
Peer and Teacher critique of student's work
Complete 2-3 new photo-shoots and edited sequences of finished work based on your theme - still photography or moving image.
Assessment of internal AS 3.3 - extend, clarify and refine ideas in sequences of work.
Complete at least two panels of folio board work exploring ideas for your proposed theme - at least six sequences.
Multiple photo shoots of objects / people / places to extend and evolve your personal folio theme.
Editing, refining and extending ideas in new photo shoots in studio and/or on location.
Peer and teacher critque.
Term 4
Completion of finished folio boards or moving image submissions.
All student folio submissions will be sent to Wellington for external examination in Week 4. There is no extension on the external submission date.
Recommended Prior Learning
Year 12 APHO provides an ideal foundation for this course. Students who have achieved in other Level 2 visual arts subjects are also be eligible.
Students who have not achieved success in Level 2 Photography, or who have not achieved in any other Level 2 visual art course will need to gain approval to take Level 3 Photography from the HOD Art. All students must be willing to be actively engaged in all learning activities. This will require in-class and after school involvement. Do not take this subject if you are a passive learner.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Own SD card. Art Journal. Own camera ideal for out of class work (including a quality cell phone camera). School cameras will be available for in-class photography. Stationery to be advised fully in start of year stationery list.
Pathway
Senior photography courses develop multiple life-long skills such as the ability to think in complex and divergent ways, creativity, positive learning dispositions and personal competencies, as well as specific skills in Photography. Photography and moving image skills are a daily aspect of our contemporary world, social and communication platforms. Perceptual and technical skills in Photography are powerful communication skills, pertaining to personal and professional profiles. Photography and visual thinking skills are an advantage in multiple fields, such as business, enterprise, marketing, communication, psychology, social communities and connections, as well as in all fields of creativity and the arts.
There are many career options and tertiary pathways involving visual arts skills, literacies and creative thinking. These span a wide range of industries and fields of knowledge. People with creative, original, high level thinking and problem-solving skills are highly sought after.
Check out this video promoting the importance and relevance of the creative arts in our present and future societies. This thinking is equally relevant to Aotearoa NZ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijcltwG7DlU
Assessment Information
Assessment in this course is portfolio-based. Students will develop their work throughout each term as they participate in learning activities and assignments. Students will be offered 2 compulsory internals worth 8 credits in total, and an external 12 credit portfolio submission. AS 3.5 is an optional standard.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.
External
NZQA Info
Photography 3.2 - Use drawing to demonstrate understanding of conventions appropriate to photography
NZQA Info
Photography 3.3 - Systematically clarify ideas using drawing informed by established photography practice
NZQA Info
Photography 3.4 - Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within photography practice
NZQA Info
Visual Arts 3.5 - Produce a resolved work that demonstrates purposeful control of skills appropriate to a visual arts cultural context
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, Artist, Film/Television Camera Operator, Lighting Technician, Model, Photographer, Patternmaker, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Technical Writer, Graphic Pre-press Worker, Visual Merchandiser, Game Developer, Printer, Signmaker, User Experience Designer, Architect, Architectural Technician, Urban/Regional Planner, Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Author, Journalist, Musician, Early Childhood Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Youth Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Teacher Aide, Communications Professional, Archivist, Historian, Advertising Specialist, Sales and Marketing Manager, Marine Biologist, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Sound Technician, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage),