Key Stage 4

At KS4, all students have 1 lesson of Core Computing a week where they learn the key skills to be able to undertake digital tasks within the workplace. Students will learn and practise skills such as Data analysis, professional communication, presentation creation, and document publication and then apply these skills to scenarios and tasks provided by real world businesses. This ensures all our students experience the use of computers and working collaboratively digitally.
 
In addition to Core Computing, students can study a Cambridge National qualification in Creative iMedia:


The OCR Creative iMedia J834 course is an exciting and engaging qualification that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the creative digital media industry. This subject is perfect for students who enjoy working with digital graphics, websites, animations, and video editing, offering hands-on experience with industry-standard software. Students who are keen problem solvers or wonder how something works or was made are excellent candidates for this course.
 
Throughout the course, students will develop a strong foundation in areas such as pre-production planning, digital media production, and project management. These practical skills are highly valuable, preparing students for further education or employment in media-related fields such as graphic design, game design, web development, and film production.
 
Throughout the two years of this course, students will study three units that make up their entire GCSE. The units are weighted as:

Unit
Assessment Type
Contribution to overall grade
R091
Exam
40%
R094
Coursework
40&
R097
Coursework
20%

Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the Media Industry

Unit R093 introduces students to the fascinating world of the media industry, exploring how media products are planned, produced, and distributed. Students will study different media sectors and learn about the key roles and responsibilities within media production teams. They will also investigate how audience needs are identified and catered to across various media platforms.
In this unit, students will:
 
• Understand the different types of media products and their purposes.
• Learn about media industry workflows, including planning, pre-production, and post-production.
• Explore the importance of audience targeting and how media products are tailored to different             demographics.
• Develop key transferable skills, such as communication, research, and project management.

The coursework-based assessments in Unit R093 allow students to work creatively and independently, producing their own media concepts and solutions. This unit provides an excellent introduction to the wide-ranging opportunities in the media industry and helps build essential skills that are valuable both in and beyond the classroom.

Unit R094: Visual Identity and Digital Graphics

Unit R094 focuses on helping students develop their skills in creating visual identities and digital graphics. In this unit, students will explore how visual identity is used to represent a brand or individual and how consistent use of logos, colours, and typography can help create a strong, recognizable identity.
Key areas covered in this unit include:
 
• Understanding what makes a strong visual identity and its importance in the media industry.
• Developing skills to create effective digital graphics using industry-standard software.
• Learning about the use of colour, typography, composition, and images to communicate a brand or       message.
• Producing a portfolio of graphic designs that adhere to a client brief, demonstrating creativity and technical skill.
 
By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of visual identity in the context of marketing and advertising. They will also build a solid portfolio of digital graphic work, which is useful for further studies or media-related career paths.

Unit R097: Interactive Digital Media

In Unit R097, students explore the world of interactive digital media, learning how to design and create products such as websites, multimedia presentations, and apps. This unit emphasises the importance of user experience (UX) design, functionality, and aesthetics in producing engaging and intuitive media products. Students will be required to program their designed products and test them in real world situations.
Key areas covered in this unit include:
 
• Understanding the principles of interactive design and how digital media is used to engage                   audiences.
• Planning, designing, and developing an interactive media product using appropriate software tools.
• Learning about user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design concepts to ensure products         are both functional and appealing.
• Evaluating interactive media products in terms of effectiveness, usability, and creativity.
 
Through this unit, students gain practical skills in developing interactive content, which is in high demand across industries such as web development, game design, and app development. This unit encourages creative problem-solving and technical skill development, preparing students for real-world media projects.
 
This qualification gives students a strong steppingstone into creative industries while fostering their ability to think critically and problem-solve in a dynamic, technology-driven environment. It’s a fantastic option for students interested in creativity, media, and digital technology.