Case studies

One part of the course is all about exploring creativity, which I’m obviously looking forward to. There are seven different areas in Principal Learning altogether. It’s going to teach us so much about the industry and what skills you need to be part of it.

For my Additional and Specialist Learning, I’m taking a GCSE in Applied Performing Arts. You can pick subjects that you’re into for this part of the Diploma; they don’t have to be about Creative and Media. But I want to build my confidence even more and get much better at acting so it makes sense.

My work experience at the local theatre will be cool. I go there all the time anyway, but now I’ll be able to see how it all works, including promoting plays. People are saying that the theatre is having some money problems, so for my project I’m going to find out what the locals think of it and see if I can help in any way.

Well, I want to act but I also want something to fall back on, so I’ll probably go for something like A Level Business Studies. Maybe I’ll also get involved in how to run a theatre. I might do an A level in Drama and Theatre Studies too together with English.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

For my Principal Learning, I’ll look at how to put my creative ideas into practice. There’s six areas altogether and they each look at different sides of the industry. On top of these, for my Additional and Specialist Learning I’m studying a Level 3 Award in Prop Making, a Level 3 Certificate in Live Sound and Performance, and GCE AS Film Studies.

I’ll be concentrating on film for my project too. I’m going to look at how British cinema is doing, and what makes a film British.

I’m spending three weeks with the lighting crew at a theatre where I’ll get to see what goes on and even have a go at the lighting myself.

I’m using film clips to illustrate my project, so I’m looking forward to putting that together and watching some of my favourite British films.

I want to start working as soon as possible, so I think I’ll find a job in theatre or work experience in film production maybe. I also want to get more qualifications too, so I’m probably going to do some more study at the same time.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

I’ll look at five different areas as part of my Principal Learning, including creative and media skills in a local community. Luckily I volunteer in my area, so I can work with everyone I already know. One of my KS4 courses is for an ASDAN certificate in community volunteering, which this will also help with.

I’ll learn about production and performance. I’m going to make a short film on a day in the life of one of my towns foreign students. Many foreign families have recently moved to my area, so I came up with the idea as something different.

I’m doing a work placement with a photographer. I can show them my photos and find out how to take better ones. This should help a lot for the Level 2 award in Photo Image Presentation I’m taking as part of my Diploma course.

I’d like to take pictures for a living, so this will be a great chance for me to see what a photography company is like.

I want to know everything about photography, so I’ll probably take a BTEC Certificate in it. Maybe I’ll do an ICT and Business Studies GCSE too, so I can see how photos are used in communication and business.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

I have to cover six areas for the Principal Learning, including making ideas come to life, capture and show. I’m also doing a GCE AS Level in Art and Design, a BTEC Level 3 Award in Fashion and Clothing and a Level 3 Award in Screen Printing as part my course. It’s the Additional and Specialist Learning bit where you can pick what you want to do.

For work experience, I’m going to a fashion house. I’ll go for two weeks in my first year and then another week in the second year.

I’m doing a project on costume design where I’ll compare the different versions of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ films. I’ll look at how the men and women in the different social classes are dressed and also the settings where they live. I can’t wait to put it together because it’s going in a big sketch book. I’m going to use all kinds of pictures, fabrics and writing to make it look great.

Work Experience will also be brilliant. I’ll learn all about pattern cutting and fitting and get to meet buyers from some big name shops.

I want to get an apprenticeship in costume or set design or even with a fashion house, if I like the work experience. Or I might go on to do a Foundation course at Art College.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

I’ll learn a lot about the types of roles there are in the creative and media business. I have chosen to do extra lessons in Performance Arts and Media Production too, for my Additional and Specialist Learning, as they’re both like my hobbies anyway.

I still have to do compulsory subjects like English and maths, but that’s ok - you need them to do pretty much any job so it’s good in that way.

For work experience, I’ll be going to a training organisation that has its own recording studio. I’m going to look at which areas of town trainees come from, and see if we could set up a mobile technology unit.

Some friends are starting the same Diploma as me and we’ve already got a great idea for a project. We’re going to create a show using music and lighting as part of the school’s annual work celebration. It features music and dance.

I want to work in the music business, so I’m going to stay on and start a Higher Diploma course at the local college. That way I’ll get more experience.

I’d also like to take a Business Studies GCSE or an NCFE in Music Business to find out more about that side of the industry. I could do this as part of a Higher Diploma in Creative and Media.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.