L3 Design

NCEA Level 3 Design (3DES)

Design for Global Issues - an exploration of contemporary Design practice

Level 3 Design is a mix of hand and digital based Visual Arts Design. It is a course for students who have achieved Level 2 Visual Arts Design and want to expand their skills further with  an emphasis on innovative visual thinking skills based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The course involves a deepening understanding of contemporary Design and Designers.  With an emphasis on extending their knowledge and  use of Typography, combined with Image, for effective Design communication.  In Design students combine hand drawing skills with high level digital skills using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. This Level 3 course  leads directly to Tertiary and Industry Design pathways within the Creative Industries. Further study in Fine Arts or Design will lead to rewarding career outcomes.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Visual Arts Design develops visual thinking skills, idea development and compositional skills:

Thinking: 

• Students will develop critical, and creative thinking skills by identifying and analysing the processes, procedures of an artist's way of working. 
• The Level 3 Design course projects require an emphasis on innovative visual thinking skills based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Using language, symbols and texts: 

• Students will research, analyse and identify the meaning and intention in both artists and their own artwork, reflecting on and refining their artistic decision-making throughout the creative process.
• The course involves learning about contemporary Design and Designers and their ways of working, with an emphasis on understanding and using Typography for effective communication. Students combine their hand drawing skills with high level digital skills using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.

Managing Self:

• Designers learn to be independent and self manage as they choose and work through their individual projects.
• Students will manage self by ensuing both planning and final outcomes are completed by the set checkpoints and deadlines, particularly on the workbook and portfolio assessments.  They will work independently to explore their own subtheme, artists, and techniques, persevere through challenges, and reflect on and refine their work in response to feedback.

Relating to others: 

• Students relate to others by exploring different cultural contexts and artistic styles, as well as considering how visual arts can be used for social commentary, developing awareness of how their artistic choices can impact audiences.
• At times Designers will share their ideas and ways of working, their progress in digital practice with others during class critique sessions. 

Participating and contributing: Students will relate to others by engaging in critical analysis and constructive feedback, learning to give and receive responses in a respectful and supportive manner that enhances their own work and the work of others.

Through a pedagogy of Guidance + Action + Experimentation, students who learn in the Arts Faculty will:

• Have opportunities to engage and experiment with a wide range of artistic expressions and genres in a safe supportive environment.  
• Develop a love of the arts as a form of self expression and a leisure activity that supports wellbeing.  
• Develop the skills and attitudes needed to gain access to further education and/or employment in the creative industries.
• Understand the role of the arts in the world as a tool for making diverse people/cultures visible and as a tool for social justice.  

Careers and Pathways

Visual Arts Design leads to Design pathways within the Creative Industries, Visual Arts and Architecture. Further study in Fine Arts or Design will lead to rewarding career outcomes.

Design courses include: Graphic Design, Spatial Design, Product Design, Fashion Design & Interior Design.