Media Production and Analysis course - Iona Presentation College
Aspiring film and television producers, journalists and public relations consultants abound in the Media Production and Analysis course at Iona Presentation College in Mosman Park.
The new course was introduced into Year 11 this year as part of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). It is proving a hit with students across the State.
The course has a strong theoretical and critical thinking component, but it is the practical tasks that have captured the students' imagination - and unleashed their creative skills.
In particular, students say they have learned to respond creatively to the challenges presented by film and television production.
Left to right: Media Production and Analysis students Megan Hollier, Jessica Mangan and Natasha Tunney.
Student Natasha Tunney (15) said the filming tasks had provided her with a positive experience at working in groups and solving technical problems, particularly during the creation of an introductory sequence to a reality television program.
"We learned that film and television production isn't as glamorous as we thought. When we had difficulties during shooting and post-production, we had to find creative solutions to our problems," Natasha said.
"The theory we learned about reading and interpreting texts has also helped me in the new English course and vice versa," she said.
Teacher John Hondros said there was strong competition for the 20 places in his class. The majority of his students had decided to use the course towards their tertiary entrance rank (TER).
"One of the strengths of this course is its flexibility. For example, a number of my students were not planning to count this course towards their TER but they've now changed their mind. In the past it wasn't possible for students to change their post-school pathways mid-way during the school year," he said.
"In the former system, it was a case of students being asked to jump fences. Now they are given ladders to help them climb those same fences.
"Scaffolding learning objectives is working for my students and also for me as a teacher. I am very happy with the skills my students are able to demonstrate.
Mr Hondros said the theoretical component of the new course includes mind mapping media ideas, annotation of articles, form and representation in the media, narrative codes and conventions, learning about audiences, readers' cultural and social experiences and the control and constraints of the media.
"One of the most important aspects of the course is the development of critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to question what they read and view and think about these issues in terms of their own - and others' - cultural, social and political contexts," he said.
"There is no doubt the students enjoy the practical tasks in the course. These include scripting, storyboarding and shooting scripts using a video recorder. They learn about shot types, frame composition, editing skills and various roles in the production of TV and film."
"By the end of Year 12, students will be prepared for entry to university-based journalism and film courses and a variety of careers within the media industry."
Mr Hondros said the only challenge with the new course is trying to explain outcomes to parents, who are familiar with another system.
"Once students become more aware of the new assessment method, they will play a big role in helping to explain those details to their parents. At the moment they are more interested in their projects."
