YEAR 13 PRINTMAKING 

The study of Art enhances perception and focus. Art asks profound questions about the things we observe, imagine, and invent. How do we understand what we experience? How might we communicate the most important elements of the things we think, feel and see? 

Art is what makes us human. It helps us to make sense of our own lives and identify with the lives of others. It is also increasingly recognised as a driver of the innovative thinking needed to solve our world’s most pressing problems. Learning and practicing art, and tapping into your creativity, can make you better at whatever you do. It can also be a personal artistic journey and an opportunity for self-expression which is proven to enhance well-being and improves health and happiness. Printmaking is a powerful visual language which extends across many art and design disciplines. 

Studying Printmaking can open doors to creative industries such as:

• Artist, Photographer, Printmaker, Sculptor, Performance Art, Filmmaker

• Interior Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Costume and Set Designer

• Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Advertising, Web Design, Game Concept Artist, Architecture, Special Effects Designer

• Art Restorer, Gallery Curator, Exhibition Manager, Teacher, Art Historian

Visual skills are essential for a sophisticated workforce, so by studying Art you gain an education in the vital skills of learning to see and develop the ability to interpret and critique our image-saturated world. 

In this course you will learn to lead and manage your own personalised project inspired by your interests and passions, through an independent workbook practice and portfolio. You will advance your drawing skills using pencil, charcoal, pen and ink while developing your ability to draw with realism from observation.

You will learn printmaking skills through using woodblock and drypoint etching techniques. You will undertake research relevant to your particular artistic interests which will build your knowledge base of artists and styles. 

This course will provide flexibility and freedom to express your ideas and work creatively, as well as develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around you.

Term 1: Figurative printmaking 

• • • Compositional studies through photography - understanding light and shadow 'chiaroscuro'

    • Drawing studies using pencil, charcoal, pen and ink

    • Printmaking through woodblock or drypoint etching

Term 2: Developing your idea

• Artist research

• Writing a proposal

• Developing prints

Term 3: Advancing ideas into a systematic body of work

• Extend techniques through printmaking and art research

The whole year is project based and you will have the opportunity to develop a proposal based on whatever sparks your curiosity, guided by your teacher. 

To do this you will generate your own imagery, engage in art based research, and apply your ideas through the action of making artwork through an independent workbook practice and folio. Most of the time, you'll be drawing and printing! 

To find success in Year 13 Art you will need to able to work with independence, autonomy and self-discipline. You should enjoy being creative, being curious, asking questions, taking risks, and thinking outside the box.

It is recommended that you have attained a minimum of 14 credits in one of the Level 2 Art courses as this means you have already had experience managing your own year long art project. Successful students have usually completed the Level 2 Art course, but if you wish to select this subject with no prior Level 2 Art experience you are encouraged to request an interview with the HOD Art.

You may enrol in a maximum of two Art courses.

Your work will be assessed through a workbook process for two internals. Your portfolio (consisting of three panels) will be externally assessed in Term 4. There will be a mid-year two panel portfolio exhibition requirement which serves as an excellent opportunity for feedback.

Achievement Standards:

• 3.2 - Use drawing to demonstrate understanding of conventions appropriate to printmaking (Internal)

• 3.3 - Systematically clarify ideas using drawing informed by established printmaking practice (Internal)

• 3.4 - Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within printmaking practice (External)

Scholarship

Scholarship provides an opportunity for you to look more deeply at your art project. It will require further research into your ideas and techniques, and will inspire more innovative responses to the ideas you are working through. Workshops are provided throughout the year to support you with your scholarship workbook practice. Your findings are consolidated at the end of the year into an eight A3 page submission.

Homework

There is an expectation that you reflect on and refine your work independently outside of the classroom. Homework enables you to practice managing your art tasks and projects through catching up on work, extending your skills and ideas, and sharing your work with your whānau at home. 

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.