Cambridge Creative iMedia – GCSE Option

At Goldington Academy we believe in providing multiple routes into GCSE option that utilise technology and computing. Offering the iMedia option is an opportunity for students to access computing via a different route. Our department philosophy regarding the subject is as follows:

• It is a truly contemporary subject which is relevant to all our pupils' lives. The media saturates everything we do in the developed world in the 21st Century. Giving pupils the tools to analyse and critique the media affords them the chance to see the ways in which the media pervades their lives.
• It improves literacy skills and pupils' abilities in other subjects. Pupils' English skills showed great improvement when studying the media. High motivation is translated into being able to write detailed critiques of the media, in a way many are not, when analysing Victorian literature or writing essays for other subjects. They also learn a great deal of new terminology much of which can be used in other subjects, including English, the Humanities, D&T and Science.
• It is a genuinely vocational subject. iMedia involves pupils making their own films, writing their own newspapers, setting up their own websites, creating their own music videos. It's extremely hands-on; pupils interact with modern technology in lots of ways, using all the customary IT programmes such as wordprocessing and presentation software as well as video and sound editing software.
• It is intellectually challenging, having a thorough grounding in media theory. Pupils learn about linguistic theory, exploring the complexities of structuralist and post-structuralist thought. It affords pupils the opportunity to explore crucial issues connected with "identity". At its core, it is a course which covers a myriad of differing subject topics; our approach focuses on both the historical and theoretical.

The Staff

GCSE iMedia is delivered by Mr Hall – Head of Year Ten, Head of iMedia and Teacher of Computing.

Year 10 and 11 Course

EXAM BOARD: OCR

What will my child gain from Cambridge Creative iMedia?
Students will be interested in this qualification where they will use their learning in practical, real-life situations, such as developing visual identities for clients, planning and creating original digital graphics, and reviewing original digital media products. It also develops skills transferable to other life and work situations, including problem-solving, idea generation, planning, and effective use of media. This qualification complements other GCSE or vocational learning at Key Stage 4 and prepares students for further study.

Course assessment

This is a Cambridge National Level 1/2 Vocational course, equivalent to a GCSE but graded differently.

Course structure

Cambridge National Creative iMedia is split into 3 units (two mandatory, one optional):

R093 – Creative iMedia in the Media Industry – 40%

Covers sectors, products, job roles, legal and ethical issues, planning, media codes, and digital media production. Pupils learn the processes used to plan and create digital media products and how to apply media codes to convey meaning and engage audiences.

R094 – Visual Identity and Digital Graphics – 25%

Pupils develop visual identities for clients, apply graphic design concepts, and create original digital graphics incorporating their visual identity to engage a target audience.

R097 – Interactive Digital Media – 35% (optional)

Pupils design interactive digital media products across platforms, select and repurpose multimedia content, and create effective interactive experiences. This unit develops skills for further study and creative or technical careers.

Departmental Resources

We currently have 2 Computer Science labs at the school. Both are running the latest Windows © operating system, Office © packages, and the complete Adobe © suites. A variety of software is available to support all curriculum areas, allowing students to make the most of the labs.

GCSE Speciation

Sample Exam Paper

GCSE Booklet