COURSE DESCRIPTION
Higher Media enables learners to analyse and create media content. Learners think critically about the media and its role in everyday life, and develop an appreciation of media content in a cultural context and in the context of the media industry. Through analysing and creating media content, learners develop skills that enable them to engage more fully in society and in learning. The Course provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge of media contexts, roles and the key aspects of media literacy: categories, language, representation, narrative, audience and institution. Learners encounter a wide range of different types of content in different media. Building on the four capacities, the Course enables learners to communicate, be critical thinkers, develop cultural awareness, and be creative.
PURPOSE AND AIMS OF THE COURSE
The main purpose of this Course is to analyse and create media content. The Course enables learners to understand and develop their media literacy skills and appreciate the opportunities and challenges that occur within the media industry. The Course provides learners with opportunities to develop both knowledge of the media and the ability to create media content.
In particular, this Course aims to enable learners to develop:
- the ability to analyse and create media content, appropriate to purpose, audience and context
- knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of media literacy
- knowledge and understanding of the role of media within society
- the ability to plan and research when creating media content, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
- the ability to self-evaluate
ASSESSMENT
Higher Media is assessed through two units and the course assessment. All Units are internally assessed. They will be assessed pass/fail within centres in line with SQA national standards.
The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows;
- Analysing Media Content (Higher)
The purpose of this Unit is to develop the skills to analyse media content. This Unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of media contexts, roles and the key aspects of media literacy central to the detailed and complex analysis of media content.
- Creating Media Content (Higher)
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.
- Course assessment
In the Higher Media Course, added value will focus on challenge and application. Learners will provide evidence of the ability to analyse and create detailed media content. The Course assessment will take the form of an assignment question paper that focuses on planning and creating media content and that focuses on analysing familiar media content.
PROGRESSION
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
- other qualifications in Media or related areas
- further study, employment and/or training
