FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
CAN I STUDY YEAR 11 WITHOUT STUDYING dvc AT jUNIOR sCHOOL?
The Year 11 programme has been designed for students of all abilities, with or without prior design knowledge and CAD modelling experience. However, many students who study DVC since Year 9 and 10 do tend to do exceptionally well at their senior school because their have already developed a wider range of drawing techniques and creative thinking techniques.
Can I join DVC at Year 12?
The Year 11 programme covers a large amount of CAD modelling and 2D digital media presentation techniques, where as the Year 12 and 13 curriculum have deeper foci on divergent design thinking and application of spatial and product design knowledge.
Students joining the subject at Year 12 are strongly discouraged as their immature skillsets often restrict their creativity and the quality of their design outcome. Direct entry requires consultation with the head of department.
Can I study more than one portfolio-based subjects?
The Year 12 and Year 13 Design and Visual Communication programmes have been well designed so that the evidence required for the external achievement standard can be collated from the internal standards. Collection of evidence for the external Achievement Standard takes place in September and October.
Students who concurrently study DVC and other portfolio-based subjects learn to manage their time productively in class, regularly attend the supervised lunch time DVC tutorial sessions and complete design work at home on their own devices.
Will it be beneficial for me to study another Art or Technology subject in conjunction with DVC?
In the design world, many disciplines of studies do cross over and often complement each other. Especially professions like Architecture which involves design, engineering, practical construction techniques, project management and exhibition.
DVC concentrates on spatial and product designs with CAD modelling and visual presentation, which no other Art or Technology subjects offer at Boys’ High. However, many students who take VAD (Visual Art Digital) in conjunction do excel in the visual communication aspect of DVC, this is especially noticeable for the Year 13 cohort in their end of year exhibition.
Is it necessary for me study DVC to go into School of Architecture?
Many tertiary design courses, especially Architecture, require a design portfolio to show your abilities in creative conceptual design development, modelling skills, observation drawing techniques and photography. DVC is the perfect subject to develop evidence for your portfolio.
What is U-Skills?
U-Skills are short fully funded courses delivered by UCOL (Universal College of Learning, Te Pae Mātauranga ki te Ao).
Four of their courses are closely linked to DVC and can help you set your career pathway:
Construction | Level 2 | 24 - 28 Unit Standard Credits | 1 Day per week
Construction | Level 3 | 22 Unit Standard Credits | 1 Day per week
Applied Construction Design | Level 3 | 27 Unit Standard Credits | 1 Day per week
New Zealand Certificate in Building Construction & Allied Trades Skills | Level 2 | 40 Unit Standard Credits | 2 Day per week
You need to apply these courses through the school's Career Advisors.
are there different entry requirements for the different schools of Architecture?
WHAT DOES A course application PORTFOLIO LOOK LIKE?
What is Ranking?
Tertiary providers around the world are ranked based on the overall performance of the Masters and PHD programmes, as well as the individual faculties. Providers with higher ranking usually have higher entry requirement, i.e. harder to get in. Ranking explained here.
BAS-sample-portfolio-1.pdfArt-Design-Portfolio-Guidelines-Digital-2020-Update-v1.pdf