Kaiapoi High School Kaiapoi High School

Level 1 Digital Art

L1ARTD
Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr B. Morrison.

Recommended Prior Learning

This is an open entry course, there are no prerequisites.

Level 1 Digital Art is an exciting, hands-on course where students explore the foundations of digital creativity while developing their own unique visual style. This course introduces students to digital photography, graphic design, illustration, and zine-making, all while learning to communicate ideas visually and build confidence with creative tools.

You’ll learn how to take effective photographs, edit images, create design layouts, and experiment with both digital and hand-drawn illustration techniques. Projects are structured around a central theme of Tūrangawaewae, giving you the freedom to explore ideas that are personal, relevant, and meaningful.

This course is perfect for students who enjoy being creative and are curious about how art and design work in the digital world. It also provides a strong foundation for further study in L2 Design and Illustration, and Photography.

What you’ll learn:

- Basics of digital photography and photo editing

- Introduction to graphic design and layout

- Illustration techniques (digital and hand-drawn)

- Zine creation and visual storytelling

- Creative thinking and personal expression

- How to plan and develop a portfolio in response to a theme


Course Overview

What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
Drawing is used to explore and develop ideas. Students will use a range of design and illustration techniques using Photoshop and Illustrator.

Photography techniques are taught using DSLR cameras and Adobe programmes are used to edit work.

Students will be able to extend their work to create Artbooks, installations, animations, conceptual artworks, or digital moving images.

Faculties:

The Arts


Assessment Information

There are three assessments available: Two internal assessments and one external assessment. They are worth 5 credits each.

Pathway

Level 2 Art Design, Level 2 Photography

Career Pathways

Artist, Photographer, Animator/Digital Artist, Graphic Designer, Game Developer, User Experience Designer, Software Developer, Artistic Director, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Curator, Visual Merchandiser, Advertising Specialist



			


				





    

        
Disclaimer

        
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it.  Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.  
Costs
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant may be requested, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.