National 4

The National 4 Media Course enables learners to analyse and create media content. Learners think critically about the media and its role in everyday life and develop an appreciation of media content in a cultural context and in the context of the media industry. Through analysing and creating media content learners develop skills that enable them to engage more fully in society and in learning.

The Course provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge of the key aspects of media: categories, language, representation, narrative, audience and institution.

Learners encounter a wide range of different types of texts in different media. This course enables learners to communicate, be critical thinkers, develop cultural awareness, and be creative.

Purpose and aims of the Course

The main purpose of this Course is to analyse and create media content. The Course enables learners to understand and develop their media literacy skills and appreciate the opportunities and challenges that occur within the media industry.

This Course provides learners with opportunities to develop both knowledge and understanding of the media and the ability to create media content.

The National 4 Media Course offers learners opportunities to develop and extend a

wide range of skills. In particular, this Course aims to enable learners to develop:

• the ability to analyse and create media content, appropriate to purpose, audience and context
• knowledge of the key aspects of media literacy
• knowledge of the role of media within society
• the ability to plan and research when creating media content, as appropriate to purpose, audience and context
• the ability to evaluate the learners' practice

Course Assessment

This course is assessed through course-work and class activities, there is no Prelim or Final Exam.

Analysing Media Content (National 4)

The purpose o f this Unit is to develop the skills to analyse media content. This Unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge of the key aspects of media literacy central to the straightforward analysis of media content.

Creating Media Content (National 4)

The purpose of this Unit is to develop the skills to plan and create straightforward media content and to comment on production processes. This Unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge of the key aspects of media literacy central to creating straightforward media content.

Added Value Unit:

Media Assignment (National 4)
The purpose of this Added Value Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to apply and integrate their skills in analysing and creating straightforward media content. Learners analyse, plan, create and evaluate media content on a chosen topic that develops their personal interests.

Homework

As with any National Qualification in any school subject, homework will form an element of the course. It is highly important that students complete this on time and to a good standard to make smooth progress in National 4 English.
Any student who struggles with completing homework tasks is encouraged to attend Study Support.

Links

SQA - National 4
Bitesize - GCSE Film - Bitesize does not currently have N4 Media page, but this does cover a lot of the key concepts used at N4.