Level 3 Design (Visual Art) is a chance to take your creativity to the next level by working on a self-directed design project based on a topic you're passionate about. You’ll explore the full design process—from research and idea development to final presentation—while refining your skills in digital media, illustration, and photography. This course gives you the freedom to shape your brief, whether it’s fashion branding, an awareness campaign, graphic novel illustration, or another creative challenge. It’s ideal for students aiming to build a professional portfolio, prepare for tertiary study in design or visual arts, and take creative control of their learning.

Qualification: NCEA Level 3

Entry requirements: The prerequisite for studying Level 3 Design is Achievement in 2.4 Design (external) in the NCEA examination.

Content/Skills: In Year 13, Design ākonga expand their knowledge developed in Year 12 Design of how to create visual content communicating messages from a client to an audience. Ākonga combine research into a topic of their own choice with graphic design skills to create collateral and mock-ups.

The course prepares ākonga for the first stages of a career in Graphic Design or any other related Visual Arts career. (Architecture, Advertising, Fashion, Film &Television, Multimedia & Animation, Gaming/Graphic/Interior/Information/Industrial/Motion/Product or Spatial Design, Photography, Technical Communication, UI &UX Design).

Stationery costs will range from: $40.00 - $60.00 depending on what equipment a student may already have.

Please be aware that this course has associated costs. By selecting this course you will be requested to make contributions connected to its delivery. These costs for specialist art materials are: $60.00

Each ākonga will be provided with access to Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) and print credit for completed work for the formative and summative assessments. For all extra printing ākonga will need to purchase print credit.

Assessment: 

2 Internal Achievement Standards worth 8 credits

1 External Achievement Standard worth 14 credits

Where does it lead? Degrees and diplomas at universities and polytechnics.

For further information contact Ms Pierce, pec@cghs.school.nz