« Back to Design and Visual Communication
Design and Visual Communication, also known as Graphics, is for ākonga interested in design and drawing. Ākonga develop visual communication skills and design thinking to explore and solve design problems. Ākonga develop skills in sketching, rendering, drawing and modelling to explore, communicate and present their ideas. In some topics, ākonga are able to have models of their design work 3D printed by Te Kura. Ākonga are encouraged to generate creative and innovative solutions to solve design problems that are set in authentic contexts, and can be customised to suit their interests.
This course develops design capabilities. Initially ākonga explore a design movement of their choice and then embed its influence into their own conceptual design. They then explore practices specific to product and spatial designers through two major design projects, which are customised to reflect their personal interests.
Ākonga are challenged to examine solutions to design problems in greater depth. Interspersed in the projects are exercises to advance technical skills. The work done in these projects contributes to internally assessed standards and a portfolio for external assessment.
Design-focused ākonga can complete an optional topic creating a presentation of one of their projects. Technically oriented ākonga can complete a set of working drawings for one of their projects.
NCEA Level 1 Design and Visual Communication or equivalent.
Copyright © 2026 Board of Trustees of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu. All rights reserved.