Twizel Area School Twizel Area School

NCEA Level 3 Photography

3PHO
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs C. Frost.

This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in level 2 Photography.

Students are expected to create outstanding images to an industry standard and develop the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual skills needed to create a professional practice.  Students will be guided and supported throughout the course to be able to accomplish this.

They will further appreciate the technical and conceptual complexity that characterizes photography while enhancing their ability to discuss their work and the work of others.



Students will work towards a portfolio/digital portfolio of original photographic/moving image work. They will gain a further understanding of methods and ideas that form contemporary photography practice and develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Note: Students may take up to two of the NCEA Level 3 Visual Art courses offered: Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture.


Below you can see examples from Level 3 Photography portfolios that were graded Excellence. Click the images to enlarge:

Learning Areas:

Year 13, Visual Arts


Career Pathways

Animator/Digital Artist, Artist, Tattoo Artist, Film/Television Camera Operator, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Conservator, Jeweller, Curator, Graphic Pre-press Worker, Visual Merchandiser, Exhibition and Collections Technician, Florist, Photographer


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Photography students will require personal access to a good quality digital camera with manual capabilities - a DSLR would be preferable, but not essential.



Access to a computer and digital camera outside of school would be an advantage for all Visual Arts students but not essential. You will need to keep a visual diary or equivalent for your initial ideas and plans and be prepared to research, visit and explore areas of interest to focus your artwork on.



You will need an A3 Art Visual Diary or equivalent and presentation clear files to present your internal paperwork for assessment.