VISUAL ARTS & MEDIA BTEC LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION
COURSE HANDBOOK 2013 – 2014
BOSTON COLLEGE BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA IN MEDIA COURSE HANDBOOK Welcome To Boston College BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production New Learners Over the next year you are going to have a load of opportunities to learn, meet new people, develop new skills, explore your ideas and work in new ways. College is going to be a very different environment for you and I'm sure you will love it. This is going to be one of the best experiences of your life; you just need to make the most of it! You are going to be working hard, expected to look after yourself a lot more than you might have been used to, but you can look forward to support, friendship, challenges and above all a much more adult approach than before. A New Start Now that you are a new learner at Boston College there is going to be a whole new way of working for you and it may take a little while for you to get used to the way it all works. First of all you might find yourself a little bit lost. Don't worry! You have to find you way around the buildings, get to know your new tutors and make friends, work out the new timetables and after all of that, get to know your new course mates. In this first term your new tutors are going to give you as much support as we can so we can help you understand what is going on. Don't forget that we are here to help you; so don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone will be in the same position and we do want to help you. In this booklet there is a lot of information that will hopefully help you over the next couple of weeks, so keep it safe and don't forget that you will have a personal tutor now, who is here to help you. New Responsibilities You will find that College is very different from what you might be used to and calling your tutors by their first names is only the start! Going to College is a new start for everyone and an opportunity for you to be respected, along with this comes new challenges and responsibilities. You will find that tutors expect you to work on your own a lot more than you have been used to, sessions will be longer and you will explore ideas in a lot more detail than before. Working in new groups will mean that everyone in your group will be expected to show respect and behave in a mature way. You will have freedom to explore projects in your own way and plan your own time. Here, I have to give you word of warning; College is about you, as a learner, making the most of this great opportunity. You might notice that you don't see you tutor as often as you did before. Be warned! This is an adult environment and you will be expected to work and work hard. You can expect a lot of new challenges and your tutors will look for a mature attitude from you in return. New Challenges This course will give you the chance to explore what it will be like to work in the media. Your tutors are all people who have worked in the industry and the course is designed to give you an introduction to the developing Film, Television, Web and Print based Media industries. It's an exciting and ever changing world and this is a chance for you to make your mark. I hope you enjoy the year; work hard and I know you will get a huge amount out of this course. Good Luck! Course Coordinator BTEC First Diploma
2
WELCOME Section 1 Welcome to Boston College and to the Programme you have chosen. The course you have joined is recognised throughout the country and abroad related industries. It is designed to teach you skills you will need in a busy and fast growing industry. It is an industry that offers many job opportunities world wide in a wide range of positions. Media Department Staff
Richard Chambers Tim White
Head of Curriculum Programme Area Manager
Sanya Mihaylovic Neil Riley Tony Westby Lesley Wakerley Scarlet Summerfield Danyelle Farrell Lee Brammer Kevin Baker Rob Carter
Media Lecturer Media Lecturer Art Lecturer Art Lecturer Art Lecturer Photography Lecturer Media Technician Art & Design Technician Apple Mac Technician
Arts and Media Department: Room 30, De Montfort Campus. Phone Extension: 4425
Your Tutor is: Neil Riley You will have a session once a week with me, but you can talk to me at any time. My room is R30. I will be tutoring you, but also I am here to help you in any way I can. In this first week I will explain as much as I can about the course and Boston College. I will be the first person you should contact if you have any questions. Throughout the next year I will give you reports on your progress and advice about progression. My telephone extension is: 4425
3
YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR All full-time and some part-time learners have a Personal Tutor. Your tutor will welcome you to the College, help you to settle in and be there to give you help and information. Your tutor is usually your first point of contact with the College and your main source of help. You will meet your tutor every week, as part of a group session or for a one-to-one discussion and review of your progress. It is important that you attend your tutorials as they will support you and make sure you get the most out of College. You will meet your tutor at Induction. The Induction programme introduces you to staff, other learners, your course and the College. A more detailed description of the tutor’s role can be found in your handbook. Section 2
QUALIFICATION AIM/PROGRESSION The BTEC First Diploma in Media is vocational course. This means that it is based around projects and practical work that will be related to working in the media industry, whether that is as a web designer, film maker, reporter, newspaper photographer, marketing officer and many other professions. It could lead you on to the BTEC National Diploma, work experience and other opportunities. A Merit on this course is the equivalent to 4 GCSE's at A to C.
COURSE FRAMEWORK
STRUCTURE OF BTEC COURSES (Business & Technician Educational Council) BTEC advises on the assessment of courses. Although the content is presented in this booklet as a list of units, do not expect them to be taught as single subjects as you are used to at school. The subjects blend together to form the skills and knowledge that designers need and are only listed in this booklet as a guide and checklist. This ensures they are covered during the course. Far from being taught separately, they are integrated into projects, just as they would be in real life. An outline of the course structure will be issued at the commencement of the course. This will list key assignment and assessment dates. WHY ARE PROJECTS USED? On a BTEC Media course you will find that projects are used to integrate the subjects. This gives them more relevance. Other reasons for using projects are: 1.
They are an active way of learning. You will not feel forced to listen to facts being quoted at you in a boring way.
2.
You will experiment and make mistakes. This will give you confidence in learning and developing.
4
3.
You will be encouraged to find things out for yourself. You will learn how to learn for yourself.
4.
You will be able to try out new skills and use the knowledge that you have learnt.
5.
You will see how the different skills and subjects relate to each other and why they have been included on the course programme.
6.
You will learn from many people other than just your lecturers or tutor. When looking for information you will find more than is needed on the project. You will be able to share this information with your colleagues, helping each other in your work.
CONTENT This course consists of discrete units (or modules) as listed: Core Units: Research for Creative Media Production Communication Techniques for Creative Media Production The Creative Media Sector Media Audiences and Products Specialist Units: Video Production Photography Print Factual Production The units are taught across a range of timetabled subjects, which include aspects of: * * * * * * *
Video Photography Page Layout and Design Computing Media Management Design Interviewing and Presentation
Each assignment which you complete will go towards your accumulated grade in each unit. The course is effectively an all encompassing course, aimed towards those people who are interested in continuing their education in media, but who have not yet selected a definitive vocation; but is also useful for those who have selected a particular career route, and are trying to build their portfolios of work. An outline of the course structure including additional studies will be issued at the commencement of the course. This will list key assignment and assessment dates.
5
ABSENCES/LATENESS Absences The course is a full-time course, and no learner is entitled to unauthorised absences. Notice must be given to both the course tutors and subject tutors if an absence is anticipated, in case of sudden illness, please telephone your tutor and inform them of the situation. Absences will be treated with severity. If a learner is continually absent without notification, disciplinary action will be taken - first by the course tutor, then by the Senior Tutor for Creative Arts, and finally by the Curriculum Manager for Visual and Performing Arts. If there is no improvement in the pattern of absences, the Curriculum Manager, under advisement to the Principal, may ask the learner to leave the College. The College recognises that some learners may have severe problems which deters regular attendance. However, if such a situation should occur, confide in your course tutor, who will be able to account for absences. If you feel unable to confide in the course tutor, the College has a regular counselling service which is located via Learner Services - you are welcome to book an appointment to discuss any problems which you may encounter. Try and avoid absences - the First Diploma in Media is a practical course, and regular absences will cause problems for your production group. Lateness Persistent lateness without a valid reason will not be tolerated, and suitable action will be taken if a pattern of late arrival without reason persists. If you are late for a lesson, do not disturb the class. Please remain in the classroom once the session has finished, and ensure that the lecturer is informed of your reasons. PLEASE NOTE A learner who is absent or persistently late for more that 20% of all lessons will not be eligible to complete the Diploma course. It is in your own best interests to ensure that you are both present and punctual. Please refer to the Learner Handbook for further information. COSTS A Studio Fee of £30 is required to enable the Learners to get a VPAM passport. This contributes to the costs of materials used in practical sessions, resources and specialised equipment that can be hired from the technicians. This is payable in the first few weeks of the course. Students undertaking the BTEC Media course will be expected to attend a range of visits and placements each term, including visits to studios and museums. You are expected to meet these costs, but if you encounter any problems please refer to Learner Services or your tutor for further assistance.
6
ATTENDANCE MONITORING We want you to be successful on your course and to achieve your qualifications. It is therefore important that you attend all classes as good attendance is the key to being successful. The Attendance Monitor will work with you and your Tutors to promote good attendance. What will they do? offer support if you are having problems which affect your attendance refer you to Learner Services who can help with a range of personal problems and barriers to learning and attendance refer you to your Tutor who will discuss your attendance and take action where appropriate What can you do? Avoid unnecessary absences, for example, by making appointments outside College hours Inform the Attendance Monitor if you are going to be absent for any reason Telephone (01205) 365701, option 2, or e-mail absent@boston.ac.uk, or text “BCABSENT” to 88020. Texts are charged at standard network rate. This information is also on the back of your ID badge Please remember to give your name, ID number and reason for absence The Attendance Monitor is: Gail Bevan
PLAGIARISM The use of other people’s work and the submission of it as though it was your own is known as plagiarism (plagiarism means theft of other people’s ideas). Any work forming part of an assignment, project, test or other assessment must be your own and must not contain any plagiarised material. Evidence of plagiarism will result in failure of the assessment. Any new assessment arrangement will be given with a strict completion date. You will also be subject to the College’s disciplinary proceedings. If you wish to quote material from a textbook or other source then this should be referenced in your assignment. Your subject lecturer or Personal Tutor will show you how to do this. LEARNING STYLES Learners learn through a combination of theory, practise and set briefs. As well as formal group instruction, help will be given on a one-to-one basis. Learners should at all times feel to approach any member of Media Studies staff. The teaching is carried out by qualified and experienced professionals both in the industry and in the classroom situation. In the classroom the teaching is a mix of formal lessons and individual research and practical studio work.
7
PROGRESS REPORTING Parents’ Evening Parents are invited to visit the College on dates in November to gain an insight to the nature of the course, progression routes and other details. There will be an opportunity to speak to key staff. There will be a further opportunity for parents to visit the College at Easter. Progress Parents are encouraged to visit the College with or without their son/daughter to discuss progress with your Personal Tutor and teaching staff. Reports All College learners are assessed by the course team at the end of November to confirm continuation onto the full programme. If there is any doubt as to suitability to continue, learners and parents will be consulted in December. PROGRESSION From achieving this qualification there are many opportunities open to you: 1. Employment 2. Progression to Media National Diploma 3. Start your own business or freelance employment ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Visits are organised throughout the course. 2013/2014 could look like this: November Harry Potter Exhibition, London February National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford April London
8
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS / GCSE QUALIFICATIONS It is expected that all post–16 learners work towards GCSE English and Maths. Initially you may study Functional Skills as a stepping stone to the GCSE qualification. There are two main Functional Skills: FUNCTIONAL SKILLS When you might use these skills Literacy This key skill is about speaking and listening, E.g. when taking part in discussions at work, reading and writing. using a diagram to explain something when giving a talk, reading material for a project, filling in a form or writing an essay. Numeracy This key skill is about interpreting information to E.g. when making measurements or obtaining do with numbers, doing calculations and information from graphs and diagrams, presenting your findings. calculating amounts and sizes, using charts to explain the results of your calculations. Each Functional Skill is described in a unit that makes it clear what you need to know and be able to do to meet the standard required. The units can be used to gain separate qualifications, as part of other qualifications and/or help you record your skills in a progress file. Key Skills Qualification The Key Skills Qualification (levels 1-4) recognises the achievement of Maths and English. These do not have to be at the same level. But, you must pass both an internal assessment and an external assessment (which is set and marked externally) for each of the units. The internal assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence you have collected from your day-to-day work, studies or other activities.
9
Section 3
COLLEGE CALENDAR 2013/2014 2013 September 2nd September 3rd September 26th October 3rd October 8th October 10th October 16th October 21st – 25th October 29th October 30th & 31st November 5th November 7th November 14th November 15th December 19th
Autumn term starts. Learner Services Induction week Spalding Enrolment Higher Education Fair at BCUC HE Parents’ Briefing ‘Going to University’ BCUC Spalding College in Action Boston College in Action Volunteer Fair at BCUC Half term HE Open Event Parents’ evenings School Taster day Boston College in Action Spalding College in Action Closing date for UCAS applications (internal) End of Autumn term
2014 January 6th January 23rd February 6th February 11th February 17th - 21st March 3rd - 7th March 4th & 5th April 4th April 22nd May 5th May 26th June 10th June 12th June 26th
Spring term starts HE Open Event Boston College in Action Spalding College in Action Half term for learners Careers week Parents’ evenings End of Spring term Summer term starts Bank Holiday Bank Holiday Spalding Open Event (Information) Boston Open Evening (Information) Summer term ends
Note Any learner taking holidays outside of holiday periods will be considered absent from the course. Learners receiving support from the College Bursary Fund need to be aware that they will not be paid for holiday periods taken outside the academic breaks.
10
Section 4 REQUIRED PURCHASES Equipment List A Studio Fee of £30 is required to enable the Learners to get a VPAM passport, This contributes to the costs of materials used in practical sessions, resources and specialised equipment that can be hired from the technicians. This is payable by in the first few weeks of the course. Learners will be expected to buy their own SD cards or DV tapes, DVD-Rs and an electronic storage device. Subsidised course visits are compulsory and learners are expected to contribute to the cost. Financial Assistance If you have financial difficulties you can apply for help from the College Bursary Fund, 19+ Learner Support Fund or 24+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary Fund. This may help to meet the costs of: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Travel Books and equipment (16-18, 19+ only) Food (16-18, 19+ only) Specialist clothing required for your course (16-18, 19+ only) Childcare costs whilst at College (19+ and 24+ only) Exams/tuition costs (19+ only)
Some learners aged 16-18 are guaranteed help from the Bursary Fund – this includes: learners living in care recent care leavers learners receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right learners receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in their own right. For further details please check with Learner Services staff. Childcare If you are under 20, you may qualify for Care to Learn payments for childcare costs. Please go to Learner Services for more information, or contact Care to Learn on 0845 600 7979 or visit the website at www.gov.uk/caretolearn
11
Section 5
SUPPORT SERVICES The College Mission Statement The College Mission Statement describes the type of College we provide for all our learners and staff.
‘to be a brilliant college that transforms people’s lives and makes an outstanding contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Lincolnshire’.
All learners at the College attend voluntarily so there is not a set of ‘College Rules’. We do however have a range of policies which describe the standards we expect and what we offer in return. To access all the learner related policies and procedures please look on Moodle, or ask your Personal Tutor for details. SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT Boston College places a high priority on the safety and wellbeing of our learners. We are committed to creating and maintaining a friendly, welcoming and safe working environment for all young people and vulnerable adults, whether learning is taking place on or off College premises. We have a duty to safeguard all learners, and we will respond immediately if there is a concern that a learner might be the victim of bullying, harassment, abuse or neglect. All staff are trained in safeguarding and there is a designated specialist Safeguarding Team to help with any concerns you might have about your own or someone else’s safety. If you need to contact the Safeguarding Team please go to:
Main reception Learner Services The ‘Stay Safe’ button on Moodle E-mail staysafe@boston.ac.uk
If you need to contact someone out of College hours about safeguarding contact:
Children’s Social Care on 01522 782333 In an emergency situation dial 999 and call the police
An important part of safeguarding is making sure only authorised people are on our College premises. Please help us with this by carrying your ID badge at all times and showing it if asked by a member of College staff. At Boston College we respect everyone within the College community. We also emphasise respect for personal property and for the facilities of the College. We therefore, expect learners to work with us to create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued and can work to achieve their full potential.
12
Section 6 POLICIES
At the College we have a range of policies detailing what the College will offer you and how we ensure high standards are maintained. To access the policies click on the links below. If this is not possible please ask your Tutor to provide you with a copy. Admissions Assessment and Examinations Assessment Malpractice Bullying and Harassment Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Car Parking for Residential Learners Compliments & Complaints Procedure Computer Services Unit: Code of Conduct and Practice and Equality Impact Assessment Coursework / Self Study Drugs and Alcohol Financial Support for Learners Functional Skills Hall of Residence Disciplinary / Sanctions Higher Education Admissions Induction Code of Practice Information, Guidance and Support International Student Late Enrolment Learner Attendance Learner Disciplinary Policy and Procedure for Further Education Learners Mobile Electronic Equipment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Safeguarding Learners Skills for Life and Learning Support Tutorial – Full Time Learners – Appendix 1 Weapons and Search Work Experience Equality and Diversity – see our page on Moodle Examination Policy Students Copy Important Exams Information for Candidates Access arrangements – General Access arrangements – International Students Examination Clashes Conduct of Exams Internal Appeals Procedure – Students Copy Appeals Procedure – Externally Marked Exams 13
Boston College Skirbeck Road Boston Lincs PE21 6JF Telephone: 01205 365701
14