Department Head: Mr. J Hogben

What is Media?
At Hartford High, Media is available as an optional subject at Key Stage 4. Our course involves learning how to plan for and make media products – in particular video based products and adverts.

The subject is very practical and is heavily focussed on actually making media products, in particular video. Wherever possible we try to make sure that there are real audiences for your work, which is why you’ll find us involved in a lot of whole-school activities including:

• Videoing school activities for the school website
• Producing videos for use by Primary schools
• Producing the Year 11 Prom DVD

Ultimately, when you end the course you should be able to plan for and produce professional looking video products. In the process, you will also have learnt a lot of skills which are transferable to other areas and will stand you in good stead when you move on to the next stage of education and, ultimately, the working world.

Why study it?
Ask any of our current students about why they like Media and you will get a range of answers. Typically these might include:

• They have the opportunity to work creatively
• They can be more independent
• It’s fun
• Much of what you produce will have a real audience – it’s not just confined to the classroom
• They enjoy being in an atmosphere which is more like a workplace than some of the more ‘traditional’ subjects

 What do you actually do?
The course consists of three units which are assessed entirely though assignments (coursework).

Video production
You will learn about and take part in the key stages to making a video: pre-production (planning), production (videoing) and post production (editing).

Research for Media production
You will find out about how the media industry uses research techniques and methods to ensure that their products are aimed at the right audience.

Advertising production
You will learn about different advertising techniques and how to use video to persuade an audience to buy a product.

Every few weeks, you will spend a sequence of lessons being taught a new concept or skill. Then you will receive an assignment which will assess your newly acquired skill.

Assignments will always:

1. Have a realistic scenario
2. Give a clear outline of the activities you are expected to carry out
3. Make explicit what evidence you will need to produce
4. Give a clear set of deadlines

Who delivers it?
Currently the qualification is run and delivered by Mr Hogben, who is also Assistant Curriculum Leader for KS4 English.

What you get out of it: the qualification
We offer a BTEC First Certificate in Media, Level 2. The key features of the qualification are:

• Nationally recognised as equivalent to two GCSEs at grades A*-C (please note that it is taught in just one option block)
• Three possible grades: Pass (equivalent to two grade Cs), Merit (equal to two Bs) and Distinction (equivalent to an A plus an A*)
• Assessed entirely through coursework

What Media expects of you
Media can be a fantastic subject, however it is important to bear in mind a number of things:

1. You must be committed. At a number of times in the course you will be required to work outside of normal school hours. At any institution and at any level, Media is a time-intensive subject.
2. The BTEC is a Level 2 qualification, meaning that it is aimed at students working at grade C or above. Pupils who are predicted lower grades than this are not automatically barred; however, they must be aware that this will mean a real commitment to the subject.
3. You must be prepared to take responsibility for your own learning and be able to work independently to meet regular deadlines.