GCSE Digital Media and Film set to be a streaming success
Qualifications Manager, Sarah Watson, introduces the new GCSE Digital Media and Film qualification, and considers the key aspects that teachers and learners can expect to see in the new specification.
In a rapidly developing world where screens play an increasingly important part in our day-to-day lives, young people are not just consuming digital media, they’re creating it. That’s why the new GCSE Digital Media and Film qualification is such an exciting development.
This brand-new qualification, developed by WJEC, is designed to support the Curriculum for Wales.
GCSE Digital Media and Film replaces GCSE Media Studies and GCSE Film Studies. It combines the best of both worlds, to empower learners to explore, analyse and produce digital content to influence the ever-evolving media and film landscape.
Importantly, the new qualification puts digital creativity on a par with other expressive arts disciplines, such as music, drama and art. This recognises how digital channels have disrupted traditional ways of making and sharing creative products.
A unique creative journey
The new digital media and film qualification provides opportunities for learners to develop their creativity and innovation alongside other cross-curricular skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Learners will gain first-hand experience in how these mediums work, how they shape the world around us, and how to create their own products.
Learners will delve into the language of media, including how images, sound, editing and narrative combine to create meaning. They’ll explore genres, audiences and representation, and consider how media reflects and influences society.
And it’s not all theory.
The course places a strong emphasis on practical production, giving learners the chance to create their own digital media products. This could be a short film, podcast or social media campaign. Students will be encouraged to express their ideas and develop creative and technical skills using industry-standard tools.
Designed for digital futures
Whether learners are considering further study in media, film or digital production, or want transferable skills to develop careers in other sectors, GCSE Digital Media and Film will support their next steps towards a digital future.
The qualification has also been carefully crafted to be inspiring and accessible for today’s learners. It recognises the media-rich environment they live in and taps into learners’ existing interests and experiences.
The qualification is structured into three accessible and manageable units:
- Unit 1: Exploring key concepts and issues. Learners explore how meaning is created through media language and how representation is constructed across different forms.
- Unit 2: Distribution and exhibition strategies of digital media and film industries in Wales. Learners will understand how media products are shaped by industry practices to target and engage audiences.
- Unit 3: Creating digital media and film content. Teachers guide students through research, planning, production, and evaluation of their own digital media products, in response to a brief.
The assessment model balances exams and non-exam assessment to allow a diverse range of learners to showcase their potential to create insta-worthy digital content.
Support for teachers
To help centres prepare for first teaching, WJEC will provide a suite of bilingual digital resources and professional learning opportunities. These will support effective delivery with the aim of helping teachers feel confident in guiding learners through this exciting new qualification - whatever their background.
You can keep up to date with available training and resources via WJEC’s website.