Our intent is to give every student the opportunity to build resilience, independence and critical thinking skills as well as developing a wider understanding of the world around them.

Implementation

Digital Media is taught through various creative units in KS3 ICT lessons, looking at print, interactive and audio visual media. As part of the whole-school year 9 carousel students explore filmmaking over a period of between 7-9 weeks.

At KS4, film language is developed with a more in depth look at micro and macro elements. This allows for students to build on their vocabulary and be competent when analysing film. KS4 students will be taught film theory and critical approaches and be given various tasks to apply to close study products.

GCSE Film Studies is designed to draw on students’ enthusiasm for film and introduce them to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology.  Students will develop their knowledge of US mainstream film by studying one film from the 1950s and one film from the later 70s and 80s, focusing on the two stages in Hollywood's development.  In addition, they will be studying more recent films – a US independent film as well as films from Europe. Each exam component focuses on  a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective as students are drawn into characters, their narratives and the issues films raise.

Arts Award in Filmmaking at KS4 develops art form knowledge and creativity alongside reflective practice, problem solving skills and confidence. Students will complete a portfolio as their Arts Award Journey progresses, explaining what they’ve seen, done and learned along the way. Students will be part of an audience, watching various animated and live action films, take part in workshops, share their experiences and produce a short film.

Impact

The digital Media curriculum is structured for the progression of all students with regular assessment and feedback given.

We aim to develop critical and independent thinkers who can interpret the language of film and appreciate wider contexts which affect them. Digital Media encourages debate and inspires creativity whilst developing technical skills to create imaginative film production work. Digital Media develops analytical thinking, creativity as well as research and communication skills.