Creative Media

Exam Board:

Pearson

What will I study on the course:

You will explore digital media concepts and develop practical skills in creating media products using industry-standard tools. Key components typically include:

• R081: Pre-production skills – Understanding planning techniques (e.g., mood boards, mind maps, storyboards, scripts), legal/ethical issues (copyright, permissions, data protection), and source material suitability.
• R082: Creating digital graphics – Producing graphics for a client brief using software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, or similar); covering file formats, resolution, composition, colour theory, and asset sourcing.
• R085: Creating a multi-page website (or alternative optional unit) – Designing and building interactive websites with text, images, animations, hyperlinks, and multimedia elements.
• R087: Creating interactive media products (or alternative) – Developing products like presentations, apps, games, or digital portfolios using tools such as PowerPoint, Adobe XD, or game engines. The course emphasises creativity, client-focused design, iterative development, and evaluation of media products, with practical work in digital environments.

How is the course assessed:

A mix of externally assessed and centre-assessed units (graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents; no traditional GCSE tiers):

• R081: Pre-production skills – Externally assessed written exam (1 hour, 60 marks, 25% of qualification) – Multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended questions on planning, legal/ethical issues, and pre-production techniques.
• R082: Creating digital graphics – Centre-assessed (coursework/portfolio), 25% – Practical project responding to a set brief, including planning, production, and evaluation.
• Two optional units (e.g., R085 and R087) – Each centre-assessed (coursework/portfolio), 25% each – Practical tasks with client briefs, producing final media products and supporting evidence (e.g., screenshots, annotations, evaluations). Total guided learning hours: 120. Assessments focus on practical outcomes, with portfolios showing development process and final pieces.

Post-16 courses:

Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Digital Media, Level 3 BTEC National in Creative Media Production or IT, A Level Media Studies or Computer Science, T Levels in Digital Production, Design & Development, or apprenticeships in digital media, graphic design, or web development. Good grades support entry to college/sixth form for creative/digital pathways.

Careers:

Graphic designer, web designer/developer, digital media producer, animator, social media content creator, video editor, UX/UI designer, games designer, photographer, or roles in advertising, marketing, film/TV, gaming, and the creative industries. The UK’s digital and creative sector is rapidly growing, with high demand for skilled digital practitioners.

Specific advantages:

This vocational course is highly practical and engaging, with a focus on creating real digital products rather than heavy theory – ideal for students who enjoy using technology creatively. It builds employable skills early (e.g., software proficiency, project management, client briefs), suits those preferring hands-on work, and often involves team collaboration or real-world scenarios. At Discovery Academy, it aligns with the vocational and digital pathways, offering access to software and facilities to produce professional-standard work, helping build confidence and a portfolio for future opportunities.

How useful it is in the real world: