MEDIA EDUCATION: NATIONAL 5

ENTRY LEVELS:

Entry to the National 5 course is open to S5 pupils who have achieved a strong pass at National 4 level in English S4, or to pupils who have attained a D or better at National 5 in English S4.

Why Media?

The increasing importance of the media in our lives means that an understanding of the techniques used by the various forms of the media – films, advertising, newspapers, television – to influence us is an important aspect of becoming a responsible citizen in a democratic society. Added to this, there are an increasing number of courses in further and higher education, and ultimately career opportunities, which can result from a qualification in Media. In terms of developing analytical skills there is a close tie in with the skills of literary study. There is also the need for students to be independent thinkers and workers as well as understanding the dynamics required for successful teamwork.

Students have often found Media Studies an empowering subject as the skills developed have often led to pupils accessing the curriculum of other subjects that previously would have proved very difficult.

Course Outline

The course consists of the following units:

Media: Analysis and Evaluation (National 5)

The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to demonstrate the following skills:

  • Analysis in familiar media content in context
  • Analysis of the role of media within society
  • Applying knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of media literacy.

Media: Creation and Production (National 5)

The purpose of this Unit is to develop the skills to plan and create media content, and evaluate production processes. This Unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of media literacy central to creating media content.

All units are internally assessed

Course Assessment

To gain the award of the course, the learner must pass all the units as well as the course assessment.

Assessment will be based on a combination of internal and external assessment. An A, B or C or D will denote the final level of award.

The external examination will consist of two Components:

Question Paper (analysing the media) - 50marks

Assignment in Production - 50 marks

Component 1 – Question Paper: Analysing the media.

The purpose of this question paper is to assess learners’ application of their media analysis skills in a familiar but challenging context. (50%)

Component 2 –assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to assess the learners’ ability to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the Course in a production of a form of media. The assignment is set by the SQA and the brief by the school. (50%)

Progression

Successful completion of this course at grade C or above may lead to MediaHigher.

The careers that have been directly linked to Media Studies:

  • Editing
  • Advertising
  • Web Design
  • Copywriting
  • Public Relations
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Marketing
  • Event Management
  • TV and Film Production