WDSG Options Guide - Level 3 Photography

Teacher in Charge: Mrs Paula West
pwest@wdsg.school.nz

Course description:
Based on student choice and a personal theme proposal, students will undertake photographic investigations to develop individual and creative photographic artworks. The course places emphasis on experimenting with a wide range of photographic techniques and extending ideas in response to their chosen theme.

A strong focus is placed on the processes of investigating, generating, and developing ideas, while fostering independent work habits and deepening personal learning. Students receive regular tuition and guidance as they follow a systematic process through to the completion of their photographic work.

Through ongoing research and visual exploration, students will develop a portfolio that demonstrates in-depth visual understanding. They will engage with both traditional and contemporary artists and photographers to inform and inspire their creative practice.

Practical skills and conceptual understanding will build on those developed in the Level 2 Photography course.

Further information on this course is available at:

https://sites.google.com/wdsg.school.nz/art-department-wdsg/photography

Course of study:

Learn digital photographic techniques using a DSLR camera.
Learn and use Adobe software in creating their work. The school provides access to Adobe software on student laptops. Students must have laptops that meet the software's minimum requirements.
Integrated assessments building towards the final external submission.

Note: Students who are new to the subject or are not keeping up with the workload may have the option to complete an internal-only course.

Individualised learning programme with independent approaches to problem-solving and self-directed learning.

Assessment:
Internal – up to 12 credits at NCEA Level 3.
External – 14 credit (3 board portfolio) at NCEA Level 3.

Students can be entered into an internal-only programme in consultation with parents, deans, and the Senior Leadership Team.

Costs:

It is recommended that students have their own DSLR or mirrorless digital camera. (However, cameras are available to borrow from the school if required through a booking system).
SD card and card reader
$70 photographic printing fee and A1 proof printing of portfolio developments.
Portable hard drive.
Field trips: where applicable.
3 portfolio boards photographically printed and mounted, plus postage (disbursed).

Entry criteria:
NCEA Level 2 Photography is an advantage, but not necessary.

Future pathways:
This course is on the list of university approved subjects.

Computer Adobe Software requirements - Chromebooks and ipads are not suitable.

Laptops must have the following minimum specifications, with the most recent updates installed. Adobe Creative Cloud desktop apps work with the latest operating systems for macOS and Windows and two prior versions.

macOS Ventura (version 13) or later
PC Windows 10 (64 bit) version 22H2 or later

Laptops require 25 Gig storage available on the hard drive. (This cannot be external storage.)

Laptops that do not have enough storage or updated specifications are unable to run the Adobe Software.

Please check the links for the most up to date Specifications and requirements to run the following software:

Lightroom Classic: https://helpx.adobe.com/nz/lightroom-classic/system-requirements.html

InDesign: https://helpx.adobe.com/nz/indesign/system-requirements.html

Photoshop (optional): https://helpx.adobe.com/nz/photoshop/system-requirements.html