Visual Arts - Ngā Toi Ataata

The aim of the course is to provide the student with a thorough grounding in painting and printmaking practices. The course is a preparation of further study at Level 3 (Year 13) and at tertiary levels. Students are taught to understand the ways paintings and printmaking are made and to develop knowledge of the current processes, procedures, materials and techniques. This involves how to carry out research, generate ideas and develop these ideas in a systematic way through to the finished painting.

Drawing will be used as the basis for all artworks. A workbook is kept throughout the year to record this process of development. Students are encouraged to use contemporary and traditional artist models to develop their own work. At the beginning of the year, students are guided as to their approaches in painting, both in subject matter and media. For the remainder of the year, students choose their own theme to develop their ideas for their folio looking at a range of appropriate artist models in both traditional and contemporary practice.