1. Learning
  2. Curriculum
Visual Arts

At Orewa College, we develop creative thinking and practical skills through visuals arts.

Visual Arts at Orewa College supports students to build confidence and creativity through hands-on art-making. Learning begins with structured drawing and composition in Year 7, extends into new media and independence in Year 8, and develops further through Years 9 and 10 across a range of visual disciplines. In Years 11 to 13, students can take specialised NCEA courses and pursue Scholarship pathways.


Visual Arts learning

Practical art-making with creativity and communication

In the Visual Arts students study, use, and apply knowledge and skills relevant to Practical Art. The programme develops learners’ understanding, confidence, and creativity, while encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.


Years 7 and 8

Building foundations in drawing, composition, and new media

Year 7 introduces students to the Visual Arts through hands-on drawing activities and structured learning tasks.

Year 7 topics by term:

  • Term 1: Drawing Skills
  • Term 2: Composition Skills

Year 8 builds on Year 7 learning and introduces new art media and ways of working in the Visual Arts. Students develop confidence and independence as learners in a practical Art setting.

Year 8 topics by term:

  • Term 1: Drawing and Painting Skills
  • Term 2: Painting and 3D clay construction


Years 9 and 10

Extending skills across visual disciplines

Students in Years 9 and 10 deepen their understanding in the Visual Arts. Focus is on further development in the fields of drawing, painting, sculpture (clay), art design and photography.

Year 10 offers a full year extension programme for those who are really passionate about the Visual Arts and want to extend their learning further in a number of art making practices.

Learning includes:

  • Hands on practical work (for example - drawings, painting, clay sculpture, printmaking, photography, design)
  • Artist research
  • Planning notes


Years 11 to 13

NCEA courses and senior pathways

Students in Years 11 to 13 further develop their skills and knowledge in SUBJECT NAME through more specialised courses and practical applications, preparing them for NCEA assessments, scholarship opportunities, and pathways beyond school.

Courses offered:

  • Year 11 (Level 1): Art Multimedia, Photo/Design
  • Year 12 (Level 2): Painting, Photography, Art Design
  • Year 13 (Level 3): Painting, Photography, Art Design


Scholarship

Year 13 portfolio opportunity

Scholarship is available in Year 13 for highly motivated and high-achieving students. This is a portfolio of 8 x A3 workbook pages that accompany the Level 3 external portfolio down to Wellington for marking. Art Scholarship is available in all art fields: Painting, photography and design. A student can submit a portfolio for more than one art.


2026 Visual Arts Department


Contact

Find out more about Visual Art at Orewa College

For more information about Visual Art, please contact:

Head of Department: Suzy Kothe
Email: [email protected]