Learning

Digital Media

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Digital Media is a practical, creative and academically rigorous course that introduces students to the media industries and the skills needed to succeed within them. The department aims to develop confident, analytical and creative learners who can understand how media products are created, marketed and consumed by audiences.

Students are encouraged to think critically about media, work independently and collaboratively, and apply industry-style processes to their own creative work. Clear guidance, structured deadlines and supportive feedback help students stay on track and achieve their best.

Overview of the Curriculum (KS3–KS5)

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, students follow the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Digital Media, equivalent in size to an A Level (360 Guided Learning Hours) and carrying UCAS points.

Students study a wide range of media products, including films, magazines and advertising campaigns, and explore how major media institutions (such as the BBC, Sky and Disney) operate. The course combines academic study with practical media production and focuses on audience targeting, research, planning, production and evaluation.

Over the two years, students complete:

• 4 coursework units

• 2 externally assessed exam units

Key units include:

• Media Products and Audiences (Exam) – understanding institutions, ownership models, audiences and media meanings

• Pre-production and Planning (Exam) – research, legislation, constraints and planning documentation

• Create a Media Product – planning, producing and editing original media content

• Advertising Media – analysing campaigns and creating an original advertising campaign

• Cross-Media Awareness – exploring media sectors, new technologies and career pathways

Industries studied include film, television, web, advertising, radio and computer games.

Assessment and Feedback Approach

Assessment is a combination of:

• Externally assessed examinations (2 units)

• Internally assessed coursework (4 units), graded Pass, Merit or Distinction

Coursework is internally assessed, standardised and externally moderated by OCR. The overall qualification is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* based on points accumulated across all units.

Students receive regular formative feedback during coursework units, with clear targets and guidance to support improvement and progress.

Examples of Classroom Learning and Student Work

Students engage in a wide range of practical and analytical activities, including:

• Analysing films, magazines and advertising campaigns

• Conducting audience research and responding to client briefs

• Planning and pitching media product ideas

• Writing articles and producing print-based media

• Photography, image editing and graphic design using Photoshop and Illustrator

• Creating and editing audio-visual content

• Developing advertising campaigns with clear target audiences

Learning is closely linked to real-world media practices and industry expectations.

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Resources, Revision Guides & Homework Expectations

Students are supported through a range of digital and classroom resources, including industry-standard software and structured coursework briefs.

Homework and independent study are integral to success on the course and may include:

• Research tasks

• Planning and development work for coursework units

• Improvements and refinements following feedback

• Exam preparation and consolidation of learning

Students are expected to meet deadlines consistently and manage longer-term projects independently.

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Enrichment Opportunities

Film Club

Film Club runs every Monday from 12:35–13:00 in Room 47 and is open to all year groups. Students attend Into Film Festival screenings and workshops and regularly enter film review competitions. Film Club provides an opportunity to share a love of film, develop analytical skills and engage with media beyond the classroom.

Career Pathways Linked to the Subject

The creative industries are a significant and growing sector in the UK. Digital Media provides a strong foundation for further study and careers in areas such as:

• Media Production

• Journalism

• Public Relations

• Event Planning

• Graphic Design

• Photography

• Market Research

• Advertising and Marketing

Students also develop highly transferable skills including communication, leadership, analytical thinking, IT skills and multimedia production, which are valued across a wide range of careers.

Contact Information

Mrs C. Thomas

C.thomas@kdhigh.co.uk