Year 13 art history

Looking at Art from the past holds clues to life in the past. By looking at a work of art's symbolism, colors, and materials, we can learn about the culture that produced it. ... We also can compare artwork, which provides different perspectives, and gives us a well-rounded way of looking at events, situations, and people. 

In Art History you will be introduced to a variety of contemporary art works from Europe, Asia, America, and Aotearoa New Zealand. The course will focus on key historical, political, cultural and artistic factors that have led to the diverse forms of art we experience in the present day.

The unique combination of skills that art history teaches — visual analysis and its written communication — are valuable to any future career. 

You will develop the academic knowledge and analytical skills to read and interpret visual media and Fine Art, and to understand the impact of Art on contemporary society.

The year will examine some of the most influential artists of the contemporary age (1950 – present). It will include painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video, and performance from a variety of cultural contexts across Europe, America, Asia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Concepts examined will include: globalisation, the internet and the digital age, the art world and the art market, challenging power/authority, and cultural interactions.

During this programme you will learn ways of thinking about Art History and its role within art. This will be done through studying various artists and architects and the work they do.

TERM ONE: Modernism to Postmodernism (1940s–c.2000)

TERM TWO: Contemporary Diversity (after 2000), NZ and Pacific Artists

TERM THREE: Contemporary Diversity (after 2000), International Artists

Much of the content will be accessed or stored online via Google Classroom. Many of the readings and worksheets will be posted there. 

You will also enjoy visiting galleries and exhibitions which relate to the course content. Students will be required to keep up regular note-taking and come prepared for class discussions. 

You will need an inquiring mind, enjoy analysing images and making sense of things and like writing and discussing way art connects our world. You will also have good time management skills.

It is recommended that students have gained at least 14 credits in at least one of the following NCEA Level 2 subjects: Art History, English, History, Media Studies or Classical Studies. Other students may gain entry at the discretion of the Teacher in Charge / HOD Art. Please set up a time to find out more.

This course is a split-level course with Year 12 and 13

The course will focus on the Year 13 content area over the year, with both the Level 3 and Level 2 Internal Assessments fitting in with this content area. Those Year 12 students who want subject endorsement for Level 2 Art History will be required to sit one Level 3 External Assessment  during the end of year exam, leaving the other two free to attempt the following year. The Level 2 students will only be required to attempt ONE external examination as that is all that is needed for course endorsement. Should the Level 2 student choose not to pursue subject endorsement, an extra Level 2 internal achievement standards will be completed.

The Year 13 students will be offered TWO examinations as part of their course this year, in addition to the internal achievement standards.

NZQA Art History Subject Resources

• http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/art-history/levels/

• http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/art-history/annotated-exemplars/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.