VISUAL ARTS & MEDIA BTEC LEVEL 3 90 CREDIT / EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION
COURSE HANDBOOK 2013 – 2014
BOSTON COLLEGE
BTEC LEVEL 3 90 CREDIT / EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION COURSE HANDBOOK 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 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. STAFF Richard Chambers Tim White
Head of Curriculum Programme Area Manager
Sanya Mihaylovic Neil Riley Tony Westby Lesley Wakerley Scarlet Summerfield Danyelle Farrell
Media Lecturer Media Lecturer Art Lecturer Art Lecturer Art Lecturer Photography Lecturer
Lee Brammer Kevin Baker Rob Carter
Media Technician Art & Design Technician Apple Mac Technician
Visual Arts and Media Department: Room 30, Rochford Campus. Phone Extension: 4425 Your Tutor is: Sanya Mihaylovic 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.
2
Section 2
QUALIFICATION AIM/PROGRESSION The BTEC Level 3 90 Credit / Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production course is equivalent to A level/GNVQ Advanced/NVQ Level 3.
COURSE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE OF BTEC COURSES 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.
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.
3
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production Units (this may be subject to change) 1 - Pre-production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries 2 - Communication Skills for Creative Media Production 3 - Research Techniques for the Creative Media Industries 4 - Creative Media Production Management Project 5 - Working to a Brief in the Creative Media Industries 6 - Critical Approaches to Creative Media Products 7 - Understanding the Creative Media Sector 18 - Producing Print-Based Media 22 – Single Camera Techniques 23 - Multi-Camera Techniques 24 - Writing for Television and Video 27 - Factual Programme Production Techniques for Television 29 - Music Video Production 50 - Writing Copy 51 - Page Layout and Design 54 - Digital Graphics for Print 56 - Digital Communication 57 - Photography & Photographic Practice 59 - Web Authoring The course is designed to train learners in many aspects of the Media with an emphasis on aspects of Publishing, but also with supplementary course in Video Production and Animation that run alongside the main course. The course will help learners build a portfolio of work in areas such as photography, video and the internet. The course is assessed continually throughout the two years, with a Final Major Project at the end of the second year that builds upon the work already done in individual units. Learners can attain a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Further details of each unit will be supplied at the beginning of the year. ASSIGNMENT LAYOUT BTEC differs from A Levels and GCSEs in that all work is assigned and assessed by the course co-ordinators and tutors. This work and all learner assignments are then graded by the teaching staff. An external moderator is appointed by BTEC to visit the course and ensure that the course is being properly administered, and that all assignments are fair and reflect the necessary emphasis of a Media environment. You will receive a wide range of assignments, covering all subject areas and units over the year. These assignments will take the form of individual subject assignments and integrated assignments (where an assignment is set across more than one timetabled subject).
4
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The course work will have a schedule of assignment deadlines.
The unit lecturer will mark the work and give the grades back to lecturer within 2 weeks. The unit lecturer will give feedback to the learners.
Two weeks after the first tutorial described above, the tutor will confirm the grade and update his/her records. These records will be shared with the learners (a tutorial notice board may be used). PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Each assignment will also list the performance criteria which are met by that assignment. So what are performance criteria? Performance criteria act much like the aims and objectives in a GCSE or A Level syllabus - the main difference in the BTEC National Diploma is that they are far broader, there are more of them, and they are far less prescriptive. Each of the units on the course certificate contain a certain number of performance criteria which must be met before you can be deemed to have passed the diploma. How can you achieve them? By providing evidence that you can do these things on your course. How can you provide that evidence? By being assessed. This is where the assignment briefs come in. Each brief will fulfil a number of performance criteria for each unit. By completing the brief, you will be fulfilling those performance criteria, and thus working toward the completion of each unit. Criteria for each unit will be made available to you with the assignment briefs.
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 Programme Area Manager for Visual Arts, and finally by the Head of Curriculum for Visual and Performing Arts. If there is no improvement in the pattern of absences, the Head of Curriculum.
5
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 BTEC National Diploma in Media is a practical course, and regular absences will result in a difficult role in group situations. 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. 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. Learners 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. 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
6
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 October 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 their progress with the Course Leader, Tutor or Subject Lecturers. 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 Higher National Diploma 3. Progression to BA (Hons) Degree 4. Start your own business or freelance employment Past learners have been successful in gaining (first choice) places in Higher Education and going on after completion of this to employment in many. In the local area we have very successful businesses set up and run by learners after achieving the National Diploma. ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS All learners undertaking the BTEC are expected to undertake a period of work experience. In year one, this is for one week; in year two, for three weeks. Learners on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Media are expected to find their own placements, although, help will be given to any learner who encounters difficulties. Whilst on work experience, learners will be expected to complete a work experience diary, and will also receive a supervisors report - see overleaf. This is useful to include as part of your portfolio, but also you may claim common skills based upon the feedback from your work experience. Work experience opportunity is available for most learners and will be arranged to suit the providers so as to avoid excessive disruption of the course. Previous visits have included National Museum of Photography and New York.
8
KEY SKILLS 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. Functional Skills / GCSE Qualification The Functional 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 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 students are expected to contribute to the cost. Recommended book list: Investigating GCSE Media Studies
Edwards, Connell & Bridgley Hodder & Stoughton 2000
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