First Diplomas Course Brochure by Nigel Edwards

BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA MEDIA PRODUCTION COURSE HANDBOOK - 2009/2010

CONTENTS 1: Introduction 2/3: The Course 4/5: Tutorial Schedule 6/7: The Qualification 8/9: Assignment Schedule 10: Teaching Staff 11/12/13: Useful Resources

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the BTEC First Diploma in Media Production. This course is dramatically more than making a quick film, it is about being passionate, committed and inspired to push the limits of what is possible. Media Production is about communication. It is a response to a brief. It is a process of exploration and development of ideas. It is film-making, motion graphics, photography, spoken word, graphic design, interactive design, advertising, the Internet, computer games, virtual worldsâ&#x20AC;Ś the list continues to expand as technology pushes forward at an astonishing rate.

It is frequently praised and often condemned. Knowledge of the media and how it works is essential for every individual who wishes to participate in contemporary social and political life. In choosing this course we hope you will not only develop your understanding of the media but also take the first steps in becoming skilled practitioners in media production. If you want to be a film or TV director, sound recordist, cameraperson, journalist, producer, video editor, advertising copywriter, write screenplays, work in music video production, present TV shows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then this is the course for you. This handbook gives you information that we hope you will find useful and provides an introduction to the philosophy and structure of your studies. We hope you will enjoy your time with us and we look forward to working with you here at Guernsey College.

ONE

THE COURSE The BTEC First Diploma in Media Production is a one year full time course equivalent to four GCSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for success in current and future employment in the media industry or allied sectors or for progression to courses such as National Diplomas, Higher Nationals or Degrees in Media. Overall, you will learn about media institutions, the future of the media, television, film and video both from a theoretical and practical aspect.

You will have access to a range of

VISITS

FACILITIES

professional digital video cameras,

We continually strive to ensure

To help you successfully complete

non-linear editing facilities and a

students gain industry experience

your qualification, the following

range of outside producers to help

through visits planned throughout

resources are available;

you build your media experiences.

the year. These include visits to

You will be given assignments designed to achieve clear learning outcomes, which are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.

local media industry professionals such as CITV and BBC and planned trips to Bristol, London, France and Southampton.

A purpose built, professional standard Avid/Final Cut Mac editing suite. Professional design and multi-media Mac suite

These assignments are related to

END OF YEAR SHOW

specific professional related work

In recognition of your dedication

A multi purpose audio and visual

situations or activities and provide

and creativity, the the best work

recording studio

opportunities for teamwork and in-

produced throughout the year is

depth study.

showcased to an invited audience of industry professionals, family and friends at the end of year show, which takes place at the Performing Arts Centre.

HD projector and large cinema screen for film viewings Professional video cameras Professional sound recording equipment Digital still cameras A large selection of media books and DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

TWO

TIMETABLES

ATTENDANCE

The academic year for this course

We regard attendance as a critical

is 44 weeks including an induction

indicator of your interest in the

week. You will have private study

course and your commitment to

time where you are expected to

it. If you are unable to attend for

work at the College on the various

any reason, you must contact

assignments that form the course.

the staff as soon as possible. You

Specialist areas such as the Mac

need 80% attendance to pass the

editing suite and the use of video

course. Constant lateness will not

and stills cameras will be available

be tolerated. Persistent offenders

to book during your timetabled

will receive warnings and then be

sessions.

removed from the course.

THREE

TUTORIAL SCHEDULE It is impossible to understand social and cultural changes without a knowledge of the workings of the media. MARSHAL MCLUHAN

SEP/OCT 09

NOV/DEC 09

JAN/FEB 10

WEEK 1. Induction - Course and

WEEK 1. Personal Tutorials - Target

College documentation.

setting interviews

WEEK 2. Group tutorial - Learning

WEEK 2. Personal Tutorials - Target

plan

setting interviews

WEEK 3. Group tutorial - Progress

WEEK 3. Personal Tutorials - Target

files & assessment structure

setting interviews

WEEK 4. Group tutorials - study skills

WEEK 4. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 5.Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 6. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 7. Group tutorials

HALF TERM

WEEK 5. Group tutorials - Student services video WEEK 6. Group tutorials WEEK 7. Group tutorials WEEK 8. Group tutorials HALF TERM

FOUR

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

FEB/MAR 10

APR/MAY 10

JUN/JUL 10

WEEK 1. Group Tutorials - Career &

WEEK 1. Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 1. End of year progress review

Educational options review

setting interviews

WEEK 2. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 3. Personal Tutorials - Target

setting interviews

WEEK 5.End of year progress review

WEEK 4. Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 6. End of year progress review

setting interviews

WEEK 5. End of term reviews

WEEK 5.Personal Tutorials - Target

WEEK 6. End of term reviews EASTER HOLIDAY

WEEK 2. End of year progress review WEEK 3. End of year progress review WEEK 4. End of year progress review

SUMMER HOLIDAY

setting interviews WEEK 6. Personal Tutorials - Target setting interviews HALF TERM

FIVE

THE QUALIFICATION Edexcel BTEC First Diplomas provide: A nationally recognised qualification with detailed standards for centres, students and employers.Guidance to aid centres with their own quality assurance procedures. A focus on independent learning and practical knowledge and skills. A common core of study with related pathways that can lead students into employment, professional or academic progression. A modular approach that allows the aspirations of different students to be met. Students may complete single units, several or complete programmes.

The Edexcel BTEC First Diploma

skills gained in different parts of the

You will attain grades in these

in Media is designed to meet the

programme.

modules as the course progresses

following aims;

To develop a range of skills and

To provide an educational

techniques, personal qualities and

foundation careers in the media

attitudes essential for successful

industry.

performance in working life.

To provide specialised studies

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE

relevant to the vocations and

The course is made up of 7 units,

professions in which students

three core units and four specialist

are working or intend to seek

units.

employment.

THREE CORE UNITS

To enable students to make

Introduction to Media Industries

an immediate contribution in

Research for Media Production

employment.

Introduction to Media Industries and

To provide flexibility, knowledge,

Products

skills and motivation as a basis

FOUR SPECIALIST UNITS

for future studies and career

Video Production

development.

Animation Techniques

To develop studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability in media through effective use and combination of the knowledge and

SIX

Interactive Media Production Media Production Project

so you are aware of your grades. All units are to be completed by 10th June 2010 ASSIGNMENT GRADING STRUCTURE Each assignment and unit will be graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction. A pass is awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against specified assessment criteria. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. Please see following for a description of each assessment grading criteria. PASS To achieve a pass the student must meet all the requirements defined in the criteria for each unit.

MERIT

ASSIGNMENT GUIDANCE

To achieve a merit, the student

You must hand in assignments on

must; Review and respond to a

or before the deadline shown on the

variety of information. Demonstrate

assignment. A pass is the highest

skill and understanding through

grade that can be awarded for work

analysing and applying knowledge.

handed in after the deadline date.

Choose an appropriate format to present work coherently, using vocational language accurately.

If a student is aware of any problems which will prevent the assignment being handed in on or before the

DISTINCTION

dead line this should be raised by

To achieve a distinction, the student

the student with the assessing tutor

must; Check validity in evaluating

and an extension to the deadline

and responding appropriately to

date may be negotiated. A pass,

a variety of work. Demonstrate

merit or distinction is then awarded

skill and understanding through

following the normal criteria.

evaluating and synthesising knowledge and justifying conclusions. Show an individual approach to structuring and presenting work in a coherent and appropriate format using vocational

If the assignment is handed in more than one week after the deadline (including an extended deadline) a fail will be awarded for that assignment.

language fluently.

SEVEN

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE Technology is important, primarily because it should force us to do new things - rather than because it enables us to do old things better. PETER DRUCKER

SEP/OCT 09

NOV/DEC 09

JAN/FEB 10

PROJECTS

Video Production - Day in the Life

Flash Animation – Public Info

Video Production/Music Video

Digital image and Photography

Intro Media Industries

Research Techniques

Flash Animation – Public Info

Intro Media Audience & Product

Interactive Media – Blog

HALF TERM

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

HALF TERM

EIGHT

FEB/MAR 10

APR/MAY 10

JUN/JUL 10

PROJECTS

Studio based project

Media Production Project/ FMP

Final Hand In

Stop-Motion Animation

FMP extended time End of Year Show

EASTER HOLIDAY

HALF TERM

SUMMER HOLIDAY

NINE

TEACHING STAFF

PROGRAMME MANAGER - Paul Arnett

LECTURER - Kirsty Bougourd

LECTURER – Gillian McCartney

Paul specialises in film and video

Kirsty specialises in TV and video

Gillian specialises in all aspects of

production.

production and editing. She is the

sound design and production.

T: 01481 750200 ext 8852

Course Tutor for the First Year ND

T: 01481 750200 ext 8861

E: paula@gcfe.net

Media Film students.

E: gillianm@gcfe.net

T: 01481 750200 ext 8864 E: kirstyb@gcfe.net

Charlie specialises in IT, with an

LECTURER – Nigel Edwards

emphasis on Mac related software.

Nigel specialises in media research,

T: 01481 750200 ext 8860

new media and advertising. He is

E: charliet@gcfe.net

the Course Leader for the ND Media Sound Course T: 01481 750200 ext 8863 E: nigele@gcfe.net LECTURER – Peter Root Peter specialises in digital graphics and interactive media. He is the Course Leader for the First Diploma Media Course T: 01481 750200 ext 8862 E: peterr@gcfe.net

TEN

LECTURER – Charlie Towers

LECTURER – Jon Ozanne Jon specialises in script writing, editing and advertising. T: 01481 750200 ext 8860 E: jono@gcfe.net

USEFUL RESOURCES