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Visual Skills School (Pty) Ltd 2011/005518/07186 Jack Hindon Str, Pretoria North

Tel: 012 565 5204

Website: www. vsscreative.com Email: info@vsscreative.com

prospectus 2016

Welcome to VSS Creative College – the centre for visual arts education and training in the north of Pretoria.

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, because it will affect you and your career opportunities for the rest of your life.

So how will you choose a college?You will have to assess your needs for further education and decide, first of all, what type of education you would need for future career purposes and, secondly, which institutions you qualify for: tertiary (university) education, or vocational (career-focused) education and training.

VSS Creative College is a vocational education and training college for visual arts: photography, graphic design and fine arts, and what sets us apart from other similar colleges is:• VSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to visual arts

education;• Admission requirements are less stringent than for

university admission;• VSS is a small college with limited students numbers to

ensure personal attention to all;• Its small size creates an informal, close-knit, friendly and

supportive environment that encourages hard work, academic achievement and friendships;

• VSS combines a central location, situated at the foot of the Magaliesburg in a quiet neighbourhood, with spacious gardens which is conducive to learning;

• VSS offers well-equipped facilities which are constantly upgraded in line with technological advances;

• In addition to full time residential programmes, VSS also offers distance education;

• VSS programmes combine theory, practical work and educational excursions in the form of very enjoyable Field Trips.

Also, VSS is the only accredited provider for a vocational national qualification in photography in South Africa over and above being accredited for a national qualification in Design Technqiues, with a national qualification in Interactive Media following in 2017.

AT VSS we don’t rehearse life - We live it!

Programmes offered at VSS Creative College

National Certificate: Photography National Certificate: Design TechniquesNational Certificate: Interactive Media

National Qualifications are formal qualifications registered on the national qualifications framework (NQF), which is a centralised register of all Nationally-recognised qualifications in South Africa. All three National Certificates are quality assured by MICTSETA. VSS Programmes are quality assured and certified by VSS itself and are not registered on the NQF, However, the IARC, acronym for the International Accreditation and Recognition Council, ensures quality and consistency of courses and services provided by member institutions.

Part time Programmes / Short Courses are open to everybody and are conducted throughout the year.The Intensive Photography Course is a NQF registered, credit-bearing ten week program.Short Courses are not registered on the NQF and do not carry any credits. At VSS these are mainly up-skilling courses.

Distance Learning: All programs can be done through Distance Learning. Distance Learning offers an affordable and accessible option, where students study in their own time and at their own pace.

Masterclasses are arranged in different locations in South Africa and are conducted by Hein Waschefort, well-known expert photographer and recipient of numerous medals and awards nationally and internationally.

School Camps are arranged during school holidays to offer Grade Eleven and Twelve learners the opportunity to explore visual arts as a future career. Daily instruction is combined with practical experiments focusing on creativity and fun. There is constant supervision to ensure everyone’s safety.

Trips and Excursions are arranged regularly and offer valuable opportunities for learning and teambuilding.

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Welcome to VSS

About VSS

Career in industry

Qualifications

Multi-disciplinary approach

Admission & registration

Fees

Equipment

Field trips

Part Time Courses:

- Photography

- Digital Graphic Des

Masterclasses

VSS in pictures

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A unique vocational education and training provider

VSS is an accredited private visual arts education and training provider where outcomes-based education and training focus on boosting creativity in a vibrant environment. Vocational education prepares students for jobs or careers at various levels.VSS is the first accredited private education and training provider for a vocational national qualification in photography in South Africa.VSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to outcomes-based visual arts education and training and focuses on photography, graphic design, fine arts, visual communication, interactive media and related subjects. The rationale for this approach is that the largest demand in the medium and small business sector is for multi-skilled persons that can fulfil more than one function, instead of having to employ more than one person for those related functions, for example, pho tography and g raph ic des ign . Furthermore, employees in the public relations, sales and skills development departments of large businesses, as well as managers are often required to write reports and do audio-visual presentations for their companies and require skills to execute this function.

Legal statusVisual Skills School (Pty) Ltd Registration number: 2011/005518/07AccreditationVSS is registered with the MICT Seta and accredited as a private provider of education and training. MICT Seta accreditation number: ACC/2014/07/3059

Industry PartnersVSS is affiliated to the following associations:Ÿ Visual Arts Network of South Africa

(VANSA)

Ÿ South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA)

Ÿ The Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA)

ManagementVSS is led by Hein and Christine Waschefort. Hein Waschefort brings expertise, a wealth of experience and a proven record in the creative media industry as photographer, conceptual artist, creative director and lecturer since 1982. He is also the author of a number of books on photography and the history of art and photography. Christine Waschefort has a diverse academic background and has extensive experience in client relations, communication, the media, conflict resolution, as well as copywriting, report writing and script writing. She has also authored books on communication, professional practice and audio visual presentation, and is an admitted Advocate to the High Court of SA.

Contact Details:Tel: 012 565 5204 Email: info@vsscreative.comWebsite: www.vsscreative.com

Postal AddressP.O. Box 17863Pretoria North 0116

Physical Address186 Jack Hindon Street - Pretoria North

Coordinates: 25°40'48" S 28°10'02" E

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VSS recognises the tremendous power of visual communication in advertising, the media and education. VSS therefore strives to teach students how to learn not only the theory and techniques of visual arts, but also develop the ability to use visual communication and presentation skills to give effect to the reasons for creating visual images such as those used by the visual media industry.

MissionVSS's mission is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge that will lead to the successful launch of a career in the dynamic visual media industry. To accomplish this, VSS is dedicated to the achievement of the following objectives:- To develop a strong esprit de corps in pursuance of a common

goal;- To pursue a high quality, market-driven and competency-based

educational experience through excellence, value and accessibility of academic programs;

- To stimulate and enhance creative thinking and innovative task-completion through continuous personal and professional development of staff and students;

- To embrace the dynamic nature of the visual media industry by engaging in thorough and continuous research in all relevant fields;

- To provide a safe environment which is conducive to creative learning;

- To prepare students for the dynamic demands of the visual media industry and to lead lives of personal integrity and civic responsibility in a global society.

Vision VSS strives to enhance, uplift and continuously improve the quality of its Education and Training products and services and is committed to make quality, career-focused visual arts education and training affordable and accessible to all learners in South Africa. Furthermore VSS is committed to transcend cultural and language barriers and promote understanding among diverse and multi-cultured people of South Africa, by building visual communication bridges.

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Parents often advise their children against a career in the creative industry as they have the perception that there is “no work and no money” in this industry. These are but a few of the myths about being an artist or “artistic”.

What are the facts?

The creative industry has undergone significant growth during the past three decades since the advent of the internet and World Wide Web, which in turn gave rise to the birth of Visual Culture which is embedded in social institutions.

Visual Cul ture recognises the predominance of visual forms of media, communication and information in the postmodern world. Globalisation of markets relies heavily on visual culture to increase the exchange of knowledge, trade and capital around the world, driven by technological innovation like the internet.

Visual Culture embodies culturally meaningful visual content that appears in multiple forms, and visual content migrate from one form to the other: print images and graphic design; TV and cable TV; film and video; computer interfaces and software design, internet/web as a visual platform; digital multimedia; advertising in all media (a true cross-media institution); fine art and photography; fashion; and architecture, design and urban design.

Modern businesses are strongly affected by competition as there are so many businesses selling the same products or offering the same services.

Visual marketing is a key component of modern marketing and consumerism - the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.

Visual marketing includes all visual cues like logo, signage, sales tools, v e h i c l e b r a n d i n g , u n i f o r m s , advertisements (print, internet, TV), brochures, information DVDs, websites, billboards. The significant increase in the number SMMEs also opened doors for freelance photographers and graphic designers to fulfill the need of visual marketing at a lower cost.

A creative mapping study was undertaken as a collaborative effort between the Department of Arts and Culture, the British Council and the provincial governments of the Western Cape and Gauteng. The result was a report, “Gauteng's Creative Industries: An analysis”, published in 2008.

According to this report, “the total direct and indirect contribution of the 11,320 firms and organizations comprising the creative economy is R33,3 billion per a n n u m i n t u r n o v e r, c r e a t i n g employment for over 182,000 people. The audio-visual and the music sectors produce the most revenue per person employed.” And this is in Gauteng alone.

To be successful in this industry, a p e r s o n n e e d s k n o w l e d g e , commitment as well as a dynamic portfolio – and this is what Visual Skills School encourages students to pursue and accomplish.

The Arts build relationships across language and cultural barriers.

The Arts show us that the limits of language do not define our processes of perception, knowing, learning and understanding things.

The Arts entertain multiple and diverse perspectives.The Arts teach us that problems have many

solutions and that all questions have more than one answer.

The Arts teach us that we have to recognise circumstances and opportunities to solve problems.

The Arts teach us to develop reasoning skills based on visual evidence.

The Arts enable us to experience and discover the range and variety of what we are capable of feeling.

Through the Arts we learn how to “say” what cannot be said.

Photography is an element of the Arts and shares all the attributes of the Arts.

Photography enables us to “see the world” without traveling.

Photography does not require one to be an artist to become a good photographer.

Photography is a skill that can be learnt.Photography gives us a voice and enables us to

document, record and comment on life and society.

Photography is the most important element of advertising.

Photography is an expressive art form. A photograph is worth more than a thousand words.

Photography is within the means of everybody - just think of cell phones.

You don’t make a photograph with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.

Ansel Adams

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NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: PHOTOGRAPHY Duration of Program: 1 Year Full Time

Purpose: This qualification reflects work-based needs of the photography sector and enables students to select relationships and contexts for photography, including the required interpretation, analysis, pre-visualising, conceptualisation and capturing of images. On successful completion of this qualification, a student will be a well-rounded entry-level photographer with a good fundamental knowledge of the photography field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, preparing for later specialisation in specific photography or related fields. The Qualification therefore provides the student with the flexibility to articulate with the Design, Visual Arts and Craft Industries and other industries where photography can play a major role, such as the Printing and Publishing Industries.

Career opportunities include: - Photographers for newspapers and media agencies (e.g. advertising agencies, web site developers, publishers)

- Self-employed freelance photographers and entrepreneurs- Photographer assistants- Technical assistants providing technical support for the sector in laboratories and printing companies

- Curators or exhibitors at a gallery- Information and science photographers.

Students acquire the following range of skills:- Interpreting and analysing general principles and concepts of

photographic assignments- Liaising with clients, interpret and analyse briefs and build client

relations- Pre-visualising, conceptualising and analysing approaches

according to the given specifications- Capturing a range of images in multiple genres like fashion,

studio, portraiture, wildlife, photojournalism, avant garde and more

- Post-production processing, documenting, managing and archiving

- Developing career opportunities in photography.

Subjects:Photo SciencePhoto Technique

Applied photographyAudio-Visual Production (introduction)Visual CommunicationPhoto & Art HistoryProfessional PracticeCommunicationBusiness Studies

Admission Requirements:National Senior Certificate (Matric) preferable; orGrade Eleven Statement of Results and an interview; orRPL (contact admissions)

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: DESIGN TECHNIQUES Duration of Program: 1 Year Full Time

Career opportunities include:This qualification equips students to progress in a career in design and to practice in a variety of design fields. They will be able to work in commercial design studios, publishing companies, signage companies, or as a freelancer. Design is a fast growing and a fast changing industry that performs on a global level as a key contributor to national industries.

Students acquire the following range of design skills:- Create original design messages, forms and arguments- Use a variety of media and techniques to communicate visually

- Select materials, media and processes for production- Produce final design products that meet specific project requirements

- Produce and present a design portfolio that evidences the fundamentals of design

- Interpret, analyse and critique design as a critical thinker- Conduct research and communicate information academically

Subjects: Fine ArtsGraphic DesignSculptureArt & Design HistoryArt & Design Research and AnalysisVisual CommunicationProfessional Practice

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CommunicationBusiness Studies

Admission Requirements:National Senior Certificate (Matric); orNational Certificate: Photography

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: INTERACTIVE MEDIA COMMENCING JANUARY 2017Duration of Program: 1 Year Full time

This qualification enables you to compile web sites, interactive presentations, graphics and photographic elements, 2D animation, that is, visual content for marketing purposes, to contribute to film, television, and video productions.

Qualifying learners are capable of: - Designing visual and technical components and structure of

interactive media solutions- Proposing audio-visual and technical interactive media

solutions- Gathering interactive media content and information- Designing and developing creative elements for interactive

media solutions- Authoring content for interactive media solutions- Delivering interactive media solutions in required formatsAnd:- Managing a business in the interactive industry, or- Innovating and creating ideas and opportunities, or- Safeguarding a multi-user computer system

Subjects and Modules:Visual CommunicationDesign Interactive Media Content:

- Design and develop two dimensional animation elements - Design creative elements with digital photographic images - Design graphics for multimedia - Design interactive media - Website Design - Dreamweaver- Coding – Basic Javascript and HTML

Audio-visual productionMarketingProfessional PracticeBusiness StudiesCommunication

Admission Requirements:National Certificate: Design Techniques; orNational Certificate: Photography; orNational Senior Certificate (Matric) with Art and Computer Science; orRPL (contact admissions) VSS DIPLOMA: VISUAL ARTS

Students who have successfully completed all the National Certificates above, may apply for admission to the VSS Diploma: Visual Arts Program.

Admission Requirements:National Certificate: Photography; andNational Certificate: Design Techniques; andNational Certificate: Interactive Media

Program:1. Dissertation (Mini Thesis); and2. Solo Exhibition

Mini Thesis:Students' major project for successful completion of the Diploma is a mini-thesis or applied project proposal. This proposal should be built from the knowledge that students have gained from their individual assignments completed during their three years of study and from their on-going literature review for their chosen area of research or applied project interest.

Solo Exhibition:Student has to arrange a solo exhibition. Proper planning and preparation is needed to hold a successful solo exhibition. Students must submit a detailed Exhibition Plan for approval prior to arranging the exhibition.

The exhibition must complement the proposal for the Mini Thesis and comply with all the requirements of art galleries. Student must prove excellence in the chosen genre and theme chosen for his/her exhibition. Student must promote the exhibition opening to stakeholders and act as host at the opening as well as duration of the exhibition.

Time frame: 6 months from submission of proposals.

The Creative Industry is a rapidly evolving industry, because it overlaps with so many other industries, especially the Interactive Media Industry. Just think of the enormous amount and wide variety of multimedia content created every day for the internet, mobile phones, DVDs, digital television, advertising. . .

Qualifications offered by VSS provide graduates with multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills that facilitate entry into a number of career paths in the industry.

Rationale To build the necessary subject and industry knowledge, understanding of, and skills required for a career in appropriate sectors of the visual media industry or as an entrepreneur.

Visual communication is a core and powerful element of today's (visual) global world. It is a dynamic process and has to adapt constantly to the needs of the industry, the business world and society.

SMME (small, medium and micro-enterprise) was identified by the South African government as a priority in creating jobs to solve the high unemployment rate in South Africa.

The visual communication needs of SMMEs, however similar to that of large conglomerates, are related to affordability offered by the multi-disciplined visual media communications practitioner within the SMME sector.

That is why this program follows a multi-disciplinary approach and crosses borders between related visual arts disciplines: fine arts, visual (graphic) design, photography and multimedia presentations, integrated with professional ethics and professional practice. The multi-disciplinary approach is characterised by each discipline being utilised to work towards discipline-related goals and affording affordable solutions to SMMEs by skilled people at a fraction of the cost of large advertising agencies.

These qualifications, with a multi-disciplinary fundamental base, is the starting point of a career path in one, or more, of the many areas of the visual media industry through structured development and lifelong learning. The multi-disciplinary base allows flexibility and mobility for the student to adjust to the dynamic needs of the industry.

Subject knowledge, technical skills acquisition through application, analytical and creative thinking, as well as values and attitudes reflected in the programme form part of the progression of a learner to a competent visual arts practitioner within this framework, thereby contributing to economic activity.

The multi-disciplinary approach in OBET can only be followed when students and lecturers are able to work in a close relationship constantly and that is why student numbers are limited.

Advantages 1. Enhances a holistic approach to meeting the

needs of a client.

2. Allows effective use of resources.

3. Prevents delay of access to some services.

4. Reduces the number of people to whom a client must relate.

5. Ensures continuity and consistency.

The recognised purpose of all qualifications and unit standards is to equip learners with:1. A thorough grounding in:

a. Visual communication, professional practice and ethics based on the needs of the visual media industry and society, as well as entrepreneurial skills.

b. Photography theory and application in practice: photo science, the darkroom, photo technique, creative and conceptual

thinking and managing digital workflow.c. Design: creative and conceptual thinking,

the principles and elements of design, relevant software packages, application of elements and principles, creative and conceptual thinking.

d. The history of art and photography as well as contemporary art, photo and cinematography appreciation in order to see visual arts as a set of related systems.

e. Communication in the workplace.f. Self-management and achievement of

personal effectiveness in a business environment.

2. To encourage insights into the interactivity between these disciplines, identify common ground, synthesize and integrate and ultimately apply this to the client's needs.

3. Preparation for careers in the visual media industry and related fields, for achieving leadership and to make a contribution to the economy. Of particular importance is subject and industry knowledge, the ability to gather information, evaluate the information with regards to content and context of a particular situation, to evaluate client needs and to address these ethically and with professionalism, as well as the ability to finalise projects timeously.

4. Preparation for further education at other institutions for graduates with the appropriate level of achievement in this program, to proceed to a next level of study .

Distance LearningBy offering various courses as distance learning, VSS makes visual arts education accessible and affordable to all creative students in South Africa. VSS’s Distance Learning Programme also provides students with the opportunity to study and practice visual arts in more than one medium at their own pace.

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Admission Requirements:Admission requirements to VSS Creative Photography & Design College are less stringent than for university studies, because all VSS courses are vocational (career-focused).

Absolute Requirements:- English literacy – competency in understanding,

speaking, reading and writing - Computer literacy – knowledge of using common

keyboard commands, search engines, word processing, and browser basics.

- Mathematical literacy - at least at level 3.

Please see further requirements for each of the National Qualifications on pages 5 & 6.

You do not need a portfolio for the qualifications in photography and design techniques.

Duration of study:Each National Qualification is a full time program over one year.

Distance Education Students can complete each of these qualifications over a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years.

2016 Registration:Applications for new registrations open in November and close on 23 January 2016. A maximum of 24 students are registered each year, you should therefore not delay your application.

Enrolment Procedure:This involves the procedure which students must follow when seeking admission for a programme at VSS.

NEW STUDENTS (Full time and Distance Learning):1. Do you comply with the admission requirements?

If yes:2. Request an Enrolment Form from VSS Creative

College by email: admission@vsscreative.comEnrolment forms are also available on the website.

3. Complete the Enrolment Form. Make sure you fill in all the fields in this form. Please ensure that all information is correct, truthful and verifiable.

4. Visit VSS Campus during office hours together with your parent / guardian to complete the application.

5. Bring with you a: - Copy of your ID - Statement of Results – Grade 12 (or II) / your National Senior Certificate6. The Enrolment Form is a Contract between you and

your parent/guardian and VSS. The Form must therefore be signed in the presence of a representative of VSS.

7. After the interview, you will be notified immediately of the success of your application.

8. You will be requested to pay a confirmation deposit as set out under Study Fees for the relevant qualification within 48 hours after enrolling in order to ensure your place in a program.

Should a prospective student be prevented from registering by valid reasons, for instance he/she fails Grade Eleven, this upfront confirmation fee, less R1 000.00, will be refunded. This confirmation fee is then deductible from the year fees. The full year fees are payable strictly according to the Payment Plan for each qualification. Use your

surname and initials as reference on your payment.NB: If you use the incorrect reference, the fees paid will

not be allocated to the correct student account. 3. You will receive a confirmation of registration with

your student number, as well as confirmation of the commencement dates and schedules for your classes.

See Study Fees on p 8.

CURRENT/ REGISTERED STUDENTS:Students who failed to show progress in the previous year of study, will not be allowed to re-register.Current students have to re-register before 15 December of the previous year for the next year in person at the admin office.

See Study Fees on p 8.

Commencement of the 2016 Programs:Orientation of students enrolled for qualifications starts on 25 January 2016.Classes of all qualification programs commence on 1 February 2016.Classes for part time students start on 25 January 2016.

Distance Education Students:Enrolment closes on 23 January 2016 for the 2016 academic year.All students are required to attend the Orientation Week. This week is not only an induction, but also serves as an important introduction to each of the programs.

Year ProgramThe Year Program is available on the website in pdf format.

College HolidaysCollege holidays correspond broadly with school terms. Students receive holiday projects for each holiday during the year which might include hours at approved workplaces.

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study fees

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Textbooks, Study Guides and Workbooks:All textbooks, darkroom chemicals and other mnemonics are included in the study fees.Facilities:Computer rooms, darkrooms, presentation and scanning rooms, library and studios can be booked by registered students at no extra cost. Wi-Fi connection available.Photo & Art Materials:Film, paper, art materials and mounting and framing materials are excluded and students must buy these for each project. Equipment requirements:Camera:A DSLR camera that can shoot in RAW - Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Pentax are the most popular choices. Please phone or e-mail one of the lecturers before you buy a DSLR for advice.Photographic Accessories:

LensesTripodFlashPlease get advice from lecturers before buying any of these.

Computer:Although a computer is assigned to each student at VSS, a personal computer or laptop at home is recommended. Basic computer specs: Pentium 4: 80 Gb HDD, 256 Mb display adapter, 4 Gb RAM, DVD RWSoftware: All school computers have licensed software.For personal computers:

Corel DrawPhoto ShopLightroom.

VSS supplies you with a trial version of Lightroom. When that expires, you have to buy it. The student version of Corel Draw can be purchased through VSS at reasonable prices.

Full time Residential Students:NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: PHOTOGRAPHYTotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R39 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R19 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R2 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: DESIGN TECHNIQUETotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R36 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R16 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R2 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: INTERACTIVE MEDIATotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R56 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R26 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R3 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

VSS DIPLOMA: VISUAL ARTSEnquire.

Distance Education Students:NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: PHOTOGRAPHYTotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R29 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R9 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R2 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: DESIGN TECHNIQUETotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R26 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R6 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R2 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: INTERACTIVE MEDIATotal Course Fee for the Year Program: R40 000.00Payable as follow:1. Upfront Registration Fee of R20 000.00 at

enrolment.2. Ten monthly Payments of R2 000.00 each

before or by the last day of each month starting 30 January 2016 and ending 30 October 2016.

Please note: Study fees may change without prior notice from year to year.

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Educational excursions do not only provide valuable experiential learning opportunities, but are also fun, spell adventure and certainly form the most enjoyable part of learning. All excursions are linked to the programme, thereby increasing student knowledge and understanding of photography, as well as adding realism to the topic of study. On photography excursions we focus on nature-photography, wildlife- photography, macro-photography and underwater photography, which can obviously not be done in a formal environment. Whereas design excursions focus on cultural aspects and industry related venues and events. This is in line with VSS's mission to provide students with opportunities to compile portfolios of high standard and diversity.Field trips also provide limitless opportunities for team-building and personal development: Leadership; Teamwork; Self-confidence; Stress management.Educational excursions are arranged to enhance students' learning by providing opportunities for participation in activities outside the normal college routing. All excursions are well-planned programme based activities aimed at maximising students' learning experiences in different disciplines.Excursion venues include art galleries, art and other museums, heritage sites, printing facilities (litho, web, digital, photographic and large-format), trade shows, the zoo, nature and wildlife venues, etc.The purpose of educational excursions is to:- Provide quality of education, positive attitudes to visual arts and motivation towards the subject area- Awaken intelligence and develop creative thinking- Develop students' powers of observation- Expose students to new people, cultures, places and ideas- Give students' a real-life experience to production in various sectors in the industry- Improve skills by exchanging experience and knowledge concerning techniques and methods of work- Opportunities for close interaction with peers- Acquisition of knowledge and examine applications of theory in practice- Relief from the drudgery that academic study sometimes becomesThe Educational Function Group workModules for observation and the study of different aspects pertaining to an excursion or field trip are provided to students. These study modules require students to work in small groups to engage in various activities in order to study aspects of the objective through observation, inspection and interviews.Findings have to be recorded through written as well as visual means, first by the group, and then by each student individually in the presentation portfolio, which forms part of assessment.Investigations by individual studentsEach student is allotted a topic for individual investigation that originates from actual observations. The student is required to cross subject boundaries and not remain restricted within the confines of a particular subject. This enables the student to see more links with his/her topic and appreciate that most real-life issues need to be approached in a multi-disciplinary way. Such investigations should also trace the threads of the topic to the situation in the world today, and how it affects or applies to human beings.Putting it all togetherIn the end either a group or the individual student is required to make a presentation to the class, bringing out the highlights, observations, investigations and questions raised and discussed.Excursions and field trips are not included in the course fees and must be paid per excursion/trip.

The act of sharing the multi-layered, rich experiences of and educational trip brings together its various strands and allows a certain consolidation of the collective learning that has taken place.

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VSS Skills Programmes:Intensive Photography CoursePart time over ten weeks. Successful students receive two Competence Certificates totalling 15 credits towards the National Certificate: Photography.SAQA US 336114: Use a still camera to capture a range of photographic imagesSAQA US 336096: Plan and organise logistical requirements for a photographic brief / assignment.Students have to compile a Portfolio of Evidence during the course that must be submitted for assessment at the end of the course. Assessment is verified and endorsed by MICTSETA.

Computer Graphic Design CoursePart time over ten weeks. Successful students receive a VSS Competency Certificate: Computer Graphic Design. Students have to compile a Portfolio of Work that has to be submitted for assessment at the end of the course. Assessment is verified and endorsed by VSS Creative College.

What is a Skills Programme?A Skills Programme is occupationally based and, when completed, will constitute credits towards a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Skills Programmes are part time courses consisting of either one or more unit standards, which when added together can eventually lead to a qualification.

With a Skills Programme, a student learns a specific amount of work, focused on developing specific skills, instead of having to complete an entire qualification.

The Benefits of Skills Programmes for Individuals:• Allow post qualification specialisation• Enable competency in a particular area which can increase your contribution to the business you are employed in

• Improve skills and employability• Addresses the critical skills needs of business or industry• Economical in terms of time and resources• Enable individuals to start a small business or do freelance work

Benefits of Skills Programmes for Business:Training improves business performance, profit and morale.Advantages to a business include:• Ability to choose which skills the workforce gains, targeting skills to

meet the needs of an operation now and in future• Increased employee motivation• Increased efficiencies in particular fields / disciplines• Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods• Increased innovation in strategies and products• Enhanced company image• Claiming back on your Skills Development Levy

“Something is happening. We are becoming a visually mediated society. For many, understanding of the world is being accomplished, not through words, but by reading images.” - Paul Martin Lester, ‘Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication’.

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Photography is but one of the elements of effective visual communication, but it certainly has the most definitive impact on the bigger picture! Making an image is, however, much more than setting your DSLR on “P” and pressing the button with the idea that, should the photo not turn out the way you envisage it, you can wipe it at any time and press the button again.Cameras have changed from analog to digital, replacing film with a sensor, but photography has not changed! The science and technique of photography is not something one knows - it is something one learns. Creative photography does not fall from the sky - one has to develop one’s imagination, learn composition and proper manipulation of images to achieve the effect that inspires awe and admiration.This course endeavors to teach you the technical skills, as well as create opportunities for application of these skills in a multitude of genres, including available light, nature, wildlife, photo journalism and studio photography. That is why we do field trips!

Programme:1. Fundamentals of photography Midweek 1a: Basic photo science. light, and exposure -

the Golden Formula. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.

Self study 1b: Research samples and applications of pinhole photography.

Weekend 1c: Theory: The darkroom Practical: Set up and take pinhole photo,

develop film and make contact print in darkroom.

2. The digital camera Midweek 2a: Key DSLR camera features - Buttons and

settings. Exposure - speed/time versus aperture. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.

Self study 2b: Research Rangefinder cameras versus SLR cameras.

Weekend 2c: Theory: Composition, colour and visual communication

Practical: Available light shoot on location3. Lens technology and technique Midweek 3a: All about lenses: Lens characteristics and

selection. Depth of field. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.

Self study 3b: Watch “National Geography - The Photographers” and discuss your favourite photographer/genre in a written assignment.

Weekend 3c: Theory: Nature photography at nature reserve

Practical: Nature photography at nature reserve

4. Electronic flashlight/strobeMidweek 4a: On-Camera Flashes and Studio flashes,

applications and science. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.

Self study 4b: Compare and illustrate differences between flash and available light photography, discuss advantages and disadvantages of each.

Weekend 4c: Theory: Portraiture lighting. Practical: Creative studio portraiture and

lighting

Course start Dates:See Year Plan.

General Information:Theory classes are conducted one evening per week from 18h00. Practical sessions extend to Saturdays - studio, location and field trips.

Course Fees Part Time: R4 900.00 Includes full colour handbook, DVDs, grey card, slide ruler, pinhole. Coffee/Tea.

Admission and Equipment:Computer Literacy is an absolute requirement.35mm DSLR camera that can shoot in RAW.

Facilities:Studio, darkroom, digital darkroom (computer room), mounting room with equipment. Studio can be booked at any time by registered students at no additional charge.

Registration:Completed enrolment form and proof of payment will secure your place on the course (at least one week prior to commencement).

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5. Digital platform for photographyMidweek 5a: Understanding RAW and other file

extentions. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and file management. Documenting, scanning and filing logistical requirements for safe keeping

Self study 4b: Create ‘Image Bank’ for source and for export with proper key-wording, preferably on an external hard drive.

Weekend 5b: Theory: Creative Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Practical: Post edit and manipulate own work.

6. History of photography as art Midweek 6a: History of photography versus history of

art up to Post Impressionism, with emphasis on the creative photographer as an artist. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.

Self study 6b: Research the birth of the art salon and compare it to the modern photography salon.

Weekend 6c: Theory: Creative filters and in-camera manipulation.

Practical: Shoot image in style of early modern artist/photographer of your choice.

7. Macro & close-up photography Midweek 7a: Close-up and macro photography-

science, flash/strobe and specialised lenses. Table-top white/blackline photography.

Self study 7b: Research and plan food advertisement with applicable sketches.

Weekend 7b: Theory: A look at graphic design - formatting and page layout.

Practical: Food photography for magazine advertisement.

8. Fashion photographyMidweek 8a: Creative glamour and fashion: Portraiture.

Lighting, styling and props. Make up tutorial. Self study 8b: History of fashion and glamour portraiture.

View VSS DVD on this subject and plan contemporary fashion shoot.

Weekend 8c: Theory: Prepare photo equipment an checklist against brief criteria.

Practical: Make-up styling and applied fashion photography on location.

9. Photo journalismMidweek 9a: Photojournalism in theory- nature of

photojournalism, the history of photojournalism and ethics.

Self study 9b: Discuss ethics of photojournalism with reference to Kevin Carter’s ‘Vulture Stalking a Child’ photo.

Weekend 9c: Theory: Photojournalism in practice- equipment and techniques.

Practical: Real world photo journalism at shanty town and shebeens in rural area.

10. ExhibitionMidweek 10a: Digital printing technology processes within

the production of digital photographic images.

Self study 10b: Prepare portfolio of photographic images and finalise assignments for completion of Portfolio of Evidence and summative assessment.

Weekend 10c: Present and exhibit photo portfolio at end of course exhibition at VSS.

Graphic Design is one of the ‘tools’ of visual communication which forms the backbone of advertising and promotion in the business world - corporate identity, branding, signage, packaging, presentation, etc. This course focuses on acquiring these visual communication skills by learning a design package, Corel Draw / Corel Paint, and combining it with design principles, composition, colour modules, printing processes and applied design. The course facilitator explains Corel Draw applications and describes how you have to apply these applications in manipulating or designing certain specified assignment topics. It also touches on the basics of copywriting and copy right which is invaluable to graphic designers. All you need is the drive, commitment and discipline to follow the steps and practice as much as you can.

Course dates: See Year Plan.

Admission: Matric certificate (or equivalent). Computer Literacy.

Fees: R4 900.00 includes the Graphic Design Handbook and DVD’s with fonts, graphic images, royalty free photos and shareware programs.

Facilities: A computer is assigned, in the classroom, to each student at the beginning of the course for the duration of the course. The course is presented by a lecturer who demonstrates each

application and individually assists each student during classes. Equipment (absolute requirement for distance learning students):Minimum computer specs for homework: Pentium 4; 80 Gb HDD; 256 Mb display adapter; 4 Gb RAM; DVD RW. Software: Corel Draw X5 (Students can buy the student version of Corel Draw X5 from VSS at reasonable rates)Internet access

Registration: Completed registration form and proof of payment of registration fee will secure your place on a course. Registration must take place at least a week prior to commencement of the course.

CurriculumUNIT 1: Principles of Visual Design- Visual Elements – Line, colour, texture, shape, value, size & format- Composition, Design & Layout Principles –

centre of interest, balance, harmony, contrast, directional movement, rhythm, etc.

- Visual Effects

UNIT 2: The Design Brief- The client brief- The creative brief- The deadline- Interpretation of brief- Deliverables required- Time frames and schedules- Developing the concept

UNIT 3: Prepare the computer environment using CorelDraw software- Launching your Corel Draw application - Understand layout of Corel Draw work space- Customise workspace - Identify most common tools & toolbars- Saving and closing of a document - Create a vector image in Corel Draw.

Assignment 1: Word Play.

UNIT 4: FontsCustomise your Desktop- Install Fonts - Understand font types and uses.Assignment 2: Create personal (favourite) font list in families with the example from font DVD, supplied by VSS Creative College

UNIT 5: Scanning & Tracing- Understand the difference between a bitmap / raster image and a vector - Understand layout of Photo Paint application- Identify most common tools and toolbars- Scanning a bitmap directly into Photo Paint - Creating vector images in Corel Draw- Importing a bitmap into Corel Draw.Assignment 3: Tracing an image

UNIT 6: Photo Paint- Editing and improving quality of scans- Creating objects by using masks- Editing new objects- Creating a new document in Photo Paint - Transfer images from one document into anotherAssignment 4: Multi imaging (combine a landscape, an object and a living organism)UNIT 7: Colour- Difference between main colour models: - CMYK - RGB – Spot- Creating duo tone designs.Assignment 6a: HOT - Design a book coverAssignment 6b: COLD - Design a CD cover (One of these designs must be a duo tone design)

UNIT 8: Corporate Identity- Corporate image (designing a logo)- Standard CI sizes- View Menu

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digital graphic design [part time: 10 weeks] continued

- Editing guidelines- Embedding fonts- CorelDRAW versionsAssignment 7: Logo design (Letterhead, follow-up, business card, comp slip, etc.).

UNIT 9: File Types- Definition of file types and / or extensions- Understand importance and relevance of using different file types- Define bleed- Designing a Brochure- Designing an Advertisement- Copywriting: Writing text for advertisements, brochures, etc. Plagiarism and The Copyright Act of SA: Legal implicationsAssignment 8a: Advertisement / label (remember legal implications)Assignment 8b: Brochure A4 folded to IDL - different folding methods

UNIT 10: Printing & Printing Processes- Printing Processes: Digital versus litho printing; bleed; sizes; folding, etc. o Die cutting, embossing, foiling, etc. o How to set up a print file o Corel Draw menu items- PackagingAssignment 9: Design package, die cut and insert bar codeREVISION- Revision of Photo Paint- Using the clone tool- The Object Docker window.Assignment 10: Use old damaged photo, scan and retouch

“Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” John Steinbeck

Where do we get our ideas from? There is probably only one answer to this question: From the world and the people around us. The more we interact with other creative people, the quicker and easier our two rabbits will become a dozen.

Masterclasses offer valuable performance opportunities, stimulation, fresh ideas for approaching visual art interpretation and technique and access to a professional community of practice.

Masterclasses offer the opportunity for visual artists and/or photographers to test their values and insights, learn more about a specific genre, come to understand value differences as well as similarities, become empowered to change those things that should be changed and embrace new perspectives, and enhance confidence and motivation.

Masterclasses provide participants with the ability to:- Identify historical and theoretical parameters of a specific topic within the broad context of contemporary photography / visual arts practice

- Analyse the relevance and implications of such topic to their individual discipline

- E x t e n d e s t a b l i s h e d s k i l l s t h r o u g h experimentation

- Synthesise new concepts and approaches to specific genres

- Reflect upon and evaluate own learning through performance.

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Masterclasses are aimed at experienced photographers. All Masterclasses are conducted at

various locations and venues, from the VSS Studio and portraiture to Botshabelo Cultural Village and

thematic sets. Always new, always exciting!

Masterclasses at VSS are developed and led by Hein Waschefort who is not only a well-known and expert photographer and proficient visual artist, but also an ardent art historian. Hein's box of ideas is bottomless. This, combined with his knowledge, enthusiasm and adventurous spirit, ensures that each Masterclass is unique and productive.

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