Year+13+Handbook+2008

=2010 Media Studies Handbook=

Down load a copy of the basic 2010 Course handbook as a PDF here.



=This booklet clarifies the media studies course= You will need to access this booklet throughout the year. You should have it as a ready reference in class at all times. The wikispace copy has hyperlinks to websites and internal pages relevant to the course. The year planner showing the course structure for the year and possible assessment dates should be referred to.

All the Level 3 Media Studies Achievement Standards are covered to give you a chance to gain 24 credits.
Two standards are assessed externally for eight credits. Four standards are assessed internally for 16 credits.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment.
The Course involves you in a study of different aspects of film and the media industry.
 * This means you will be reading films critically andanalytically** as you work towards appreciating what the Director has done to tell the story and involve you in the emotions of the characters.
 * You will also learn how the Television and Film industry is**organised to maximize their audiences and how they use representations, codes and conventions to build and develop messages and values that link to the identified audience or culture.
 * You will also learn about the history and development of a film** genre. In our study we will focus on Science Fiction films, in particular the films of Andrew Niccol. This study should make you aware of the narrative techniques, codes and conventions associated with the genre as well as developing an appreciation of the development of film and the relationship the genres that have evolved over the past century have with contemporary society.
 * The course also gives you an opportunity to use the** technology we have available to script, storyboard and make your own short film. In the past we have made documentaries or mockumentaries this year you will have the choice to work on making either a short film or a documentary.

You are required to:

 * Do a unit of work based on film** genre. This is externally assessed by examination (90602 – Explain the relationship between a media genre and society) the films we will study are classified as R16 - 18. The study of these films is required for work on two of the Level 3 Achievement Standards. If there are problems with this approach you must discuss these with your Media Studies teacher immediately.
 * Do a series of close readings of extracts from Graphic Novels** - Comics to demonstrate your understanding of the codes, conventions and techniques used. These are internally assessed (90600 Explore the language of a medium and various readings of texts within a medium)
 * You will undertake a film production activity.** You will be working to a deadline. You will be expected to plan, film and edit both in and outside of school time if you are to meet the standards and deadlines required by the task. (907604 Develop a concept and treatment for a media product & 90606 Create a media product using appropriate technology) This is internally assessed.
 * Complete a Research Task (90779.** Investigate an aspect of media and explain its significance for New Zealand) And how the media industry is organised and controlled (90599 Demonstrate understanding of a specific media industry.) The latter topic is externally assessed by examination.
 * Exemplars will be used** to help you understand the requirements for Achieved, Merit and Excellence. The dates for the assessment are indicated on the planner. You can access the nationally developed exemplars on: http://www.tki.org.nz/e/ncea which you can access from home or school. You are urged to familiarise yourself with it to prepare for Media Studies work.

Assessment and Assurance.
All work is assessed and moderated against the descriptors approved by [|NZQA]. You will receive notification throughout the year of your achievement against the standards. Where practicable a resubmission opportunity will be provided. This will be offered either in class or on Thursday period 5. All internally assessed tasks are assured by a nominated assurer who will also ensure the work is marked using the NZQA descriptors. This is to ensure consistency with the national standard.

Other Essential Information.
You are referred to the student diary for information and school policy on authenticity of your work, lateness, and absence from assessments, reassessments, appeals, compassionate consideration and misconduct during assessment.

=Reading List & Textbooks:= There is no complete textbook for Media Studies although the **//Media Studies Achievement Standards Level 3 – a resource book for year 13 students//** published by Thomson-New House is a useful text for revision and background notes. The **mediamatrix** wikispace all media studies students have access to through the internet has sources of information, extracts from magazines and newspapers, weblinks and class notes that should be accessed and referred to regularly if you wish to succeed in this course.

Other texts:
The Story of Film – Mark Cousins. - Pavilion Books Edinburgh 2004 A discovery of Cinema – Thorold Dickinson – Oxford University Press. 1970 How to read a Film – James Monaco – Oxford University Press. 1994 Film an Introduction – Fell – Praeger Press 1980 Coping with Mass Media – Littell (editor) – McDougal Littell & Co. 1972 A Rough Guide to Horror Movies – Alan Jones – Roughguides. 2005

The Howick College and Manukau Public Libraries have extensive collections of texts and magazines devoted to film.

The Web has numerous sites that are worth exploring. Check out: http://www.imdb.com for film reviews. http://www.mediaknowall.com for resources and notes on media studies.

=The Standards:=
 * Film Industry**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.1 Title [|Demonstrate understanding of a specific media industry] Level 3 Credits 3 Assessment External

This achievement standard requires the study of a specific media industry and description of how the specific media industry is organised and controlled, including the roles and relationships of key personnel.


 * ‘Comics’ Study**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.2 Title[| Explore the language of a medium and various readings of texts within a medium] Level 3 Credits 4 [|Assessment Internal]

This achievement standard requires an investigation into, and explanation of, how elements of media language construct meaning, including describing various readings of texts within a medium.


 * Society and Genre – Science Fiction Film**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.4 Title [|Explain the interrelationship between society and a media genre] Level 3 Credits 3 Assessment External

This achievement standard requires explaining the interrelationship between society and a media genre.


 * Documentary or Short Film Production - The ‘Pitch’**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.8 Part a Title [|Develop a concept and treatment for a media product] Level 3 This forms part of 3.8 Making the film [|Assessment Internal]

This achievement standard requires developing a concept and treatment for a media product that satisfies the requirements of a given brief, and justifying the concept with supporting argument.


 * Documentary Film Production - Production Planning**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.8 Part b Title [|Develop a production schedule and prepare to produce a media product] Level 3 [|Assessment Internal]

This achievement standard requires preparing a production schedule to create a media product and following the production schedule to complete pre-production activities for a media product.


 * Documentary Film Production – The Film**

Subject Reference Media Studies 3.8 part c Title [|Create a media product using appropriate media technology] Level 3 Credits 6 [|Assessment Internal]

This achievement standard requires using two or more types of appropriate technology to create a media product.

=Resources= How to access the resources and your responsibilities when using them.**
 * The equipment and resources the Media Studies Department has available.

T**he Media Studies Department is quite well resourced.** The department offers a range of up-to-date equipment for student use and endeavours to make some of that equipment available for after hours use by students. We recognise that most of the best work done by Howick College students is done on location. We encourage students to produce work off-site.

In order to do this successfully we have to implement a strict set of guidelines and procedures for the booking, accessing and returning of equipment. This is to minimise problems of damage to equipment through poor handling etc. We require your ongoing co-operation to establish a good record and to ensure that money may become available to the department to spend on EXPANDING the resources available rather than replacing those lost or damaged.

Mr. Papprill is responsible for control of all equipment in the department. Any loss or damage should be reported to him IMMEDIATELY. Production Gear (film capture)

1 10- Mini-DV cameras 2 Tripods 5 T 1-5 Editing Suite & G17 Office 3 Dollies 1 DL Editing Suite 4 Handheld Mikes 4 M 1-4 G17 Office 5 Mike Ext. Cable 2 Ex 1-2 G17 Office 6 Lapel Mikes 2 LP 1-2 G17 Office 7 Lights 4 L1-4 Editing Suite 8 Reflectors 2 RF1-2 Editing Suite 9 Boom 1 Bm 1 Editing Suite

Rationale:
The policy has been developed with the following goals in mind: maximising film student access to gear in timetabled class-time. making gear available to film students during other school hours and after hours including holidays ensuring all gear is kept secure and safe ensuring all gear users are qualified and responsible

Gear is available to all students during school hours and after hours for school project work after they have completed a orientation or usage lesson (see table above). Your Teacher will make it a priority to teach how to use gear as you encounter it during your course.

Gear is only available for coursework. Gear use for other purposes can be negotiated with Mr Papprill depending on availability.

System for Controlled by
Class Borrowing System Class based use of gear Media Studies Teacher School Hours Borrowing Borrowing between 8.15am and 3.30pm on schooldays outside your normal film class. Media Studies Teacher After Hours Borrowing All other borrowing Ms Mr. Papprill

General Rules
You must complete the appropriate orientation lesson before borrowing gear You must not lend gear to anyone else (including other students) Gear is only available for set coursework unless otherwise negotiated (for example with a signature from another subject teacher or a dean) Keep the gear in your care at all times Do not leave gear in an unattended vehicle Return gear by specified return time Report all accidents, damage and gear failures to Mr Papprill.

=CLASS BORROWING SYSTEM:= All students who use gear during class-time must have completed the gear orientation lesson. All students going out of the classroom must return the gear at least 5 minutes before the end of class and MUST take their tape out of the camera and the battery off the camera and return them separately (to enable recharging)

PROCESS:
Your teacher will tell when this kind of borrowing is appropriate depending on what plans they have for the lesson. Check that you have received all gear and that you and your teacher both understand exactly what equipment you have been issued. Check that all individual components in bagged gear are present or noted down as absent. Your teacher will write down your name and the time next to each item of equipment in their log. S/he will note down any missing components or additional components (eg batteries) issued. Check equipment back in upon return. Check all components are present. Make sure that your teacher has crossed off your name.

Mr Papprill will check all gear at the end of each day. The information written down will help her to keep track of gear and trace any lost items quickly and easily.

SCHOOL HOURS BORROWING SYSTEM:
All students who use gear in this system must have completed the gear orientation lesson. All students must return the gear at least 5 minutes before the bell for the next class or by 3.20pm.

PROCESS:
The teacher will tell when this kind of borrowing is appropriate depending on what plans they have for the lesson. Check that you have received all gear and that you and your teacher both understand exactly what equipment you have been issued. Check that all individual components in bagged gear are present or noted down as absent. The teacher will write down your name and the time next to each item of equipment in their log/notes. S/he will note down any missing components or additional components (eg batteries) issued. Check equipment back in upon return. Check all components are present. Make sure that the teacher has crossed off your name.

Mr Papprill will check all gear at the end of the day. The information written down will help her to keep track of gear and trace any lost items quickly and easily.

AFTER HOURS BORROWING SYSTEM:
Available ONLY to Media Studies students completing NCEA coursework (or occasionally by negotiation with Mr Papprill). All students who use gear in this system must have completed the gear orientation lessons. All students must return the gear by the time listed on the gear release form. Gear may be picked up early in the day by special arrangement. A Parent’s Permission Letter must be completed (signed by parent/guardian) and handed in ONE DAY before the equipment is needed.

PROCESS:
Book gear required with full name, date, class and purpose on the booking sheets (available from Mr Papprill or your classroom teacher) Get a Parent’s Permission Letter/Form from your teacher, get it signed by your parent/guardian and submit to your teacher ONE day before you require the equipment. Be at the G17 office at 3.20 – 3.30pm Monday-Thursday (if you get a school bus you may make other arrangements but you must give Ms Papprill at least one days notice) For weekend borrowing, be at the G17 office at 1.30 – 1.45 pm on Friday. Mr Papprill will issue equipment and a gear release form. Equipment will only be issued with a correctly completed and signed Parent’s Permission Letter/Form. Check that you have received all gear and that you and your teacher both understand exactly what equipment you have been issued. Check that all individual components in bagged gear are present or noted down as absent. Return gear by set time on set day (usually 8.30am but can be negotiated depending on other class use.)

In the case of overbooking, priority will be given to (in order): Students who have supplied full information with their booking on the Booking Sheet Students completing Work due for formal assessment Students who have had lesser access to equipment (Teacher judgement based on old forms) Students who are reliable in care, use and return of gear**
 * Notes:

The teacher’s key goals will be to support fair and equitable access for all students and encourage responsible and effective use of the resource for better student learning.

Gear is available for holiday borrowing, usually for 2-3 days at a time. Details will be made available near the end of each term about this holiday borrowing.

=Students’ Own Cameras=

You may use your own cameras/tapes for film capture for the NCEA Assessments but you must talk to your teacher in advance to check compatibility with our editing equipment and make arrangements for film/digital film transfer. For example – a. You will have difficulty if you use non-digital film unless you are editing at home using compatible equipment. b. If you are using digital cameras the tapes used may be different to the school mini-DV cameras and you need to check for compatibility of the ‘firewire’ to download the footage you have captured.

2. Apple eMac/iMacs (Digital Editing using iMovie)
There are 5 Apple Macs with editing software – iMovie available on each unit. These are available for students in Media Studies lessons in selected lunchtimes and some afternoons after school until 5.00pm. You need to see your teacher to arrange these sessions and pre-book the required out-of-class time.

There are weekly Booking board for each Mac named Media 1 – Media 5. These are monitored by the Media Studies teacher or are available inside the Editing Suite on the desk near the door. You can book a maximum of TWO sessions each week but there may be more available in negotiation with your teacher and other students.

You will be mainly using the same Mac each time although we can move your film around using an external hard-drive – but be aware it takes a little time, effort and planning.

Some important points:
Students must give at least TWO DAYS notice when booking ‘after school’ time. There is no guarantee that the suites will be open after school on the day you require. It is up to you to negotiate this with your Media Studies teacher as he/she needs to be available to supervise during these times. In addition to the areas of iMovie covered by your teacher there is ‘QuickStart’ guide to iMovie available when using the suite and you can refer to the online ‘Help’ guide or the Apple website (www.apple.com) for detailed instructions on iMovie use. Only students involved in the film project are allowed in the editing suite. It is a small space and there is no room for visitors. Strictly NO FOOD or DRINK allowed in the Editing Suite. If you are found with these items there is the possibility that you will not be granted access to the suite again.

Permission Letter for borrowing School Cameras & gear.
Howick College Media Studies Dept.

Dear Parent / Guardian,

Over the next two terms Year 13 Media Studies students are completing an internal NCEA Assessment – 3.8 which involves filming a short documentary piece. The school digital video cameras are available in school time and students are allocated class time for this task. Your son/daughter has requested to use the school digital cameras in after school or weekend time in order to film for this assessment.

For insurance and security purposes we ask that the student and parent/guardian to accept full responsibility for this expensive equipment during the time it is out of school.

If you have any concerns or queries about this situation please do not hesitate to contact me on 534 4492 ext 846 during school hours. Thank you Mr. A. Papprill - HOD Media Studies

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Student Name: _

__I understand and accept that I am solely responsible for a Canon Digital MVcamera (valued at approx. $1000) plus other filming equipment.

The camera is in my care from ………………………. .. to ……………………………..

I accept that due to removing it from school it may not be fully insured. I will be responsible for any significant loss or damage. I will adhere to the conditions of the Gear Form and the rules learnt in class about equipment procedures.

Signed__ __(student)

Parent / Guardian__ __(name)

Signed___

__Contact Number at home___