Training & Assessment Strategy
The Diploma of Screen and Media is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF has defined the following qualification levels:
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
The qualification framework is not a course and the standards are not curriculum documents. They combine a broad level of competencies that are applicable to any training package. The qualifications are tiered to require more complex levels of competency in each one. Each Industry adopts these levels (and their competencies) and integrates them into a training package.
The Diploma of Screen and Media qualification meets the following competencies:
- Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts.
- Apply solutions to a defined range of resources
- Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts with depth in some cases
- Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
- Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
- Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Adoption of AQF by the Film and Television Industry:
The Diploma of Screen and Media is nationally recognised and accredited through ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). The training package has been devised by the Innovation & Business Skils Australia (IBSA) Council, the Industry’s representative training body, on behalf of the Federal Government. The training package is entitled “The Screen and Media Training Package” (CUF07). IBSA has developed a series of skills (called units of competency) to ensure compliance with the AQF.
Adoption of the Training Package by Sydney Film School:
The Diploma of Screen and Media addresses vocational skills for employment in the Film and Television industry. Students are assessed on attaining “units of competency” (skills) crucial in film and video production. Sydney Film School has structured a course programme that integrates these skills into the creative process of film and video production. Students work collaboratively to make 16mm narrative films and documentary videos. These works enable students to learn in an industry environment and to build up their own portfolios. Students must collaborate in teams on a minimum of four projects, at least one of which is a 16mm film project.
Elective units were selected to provide students with a broad range of transferable creative thinking and team building skills. Students furthermore gain specific competencies in directing, camera, editing, sound, presenting their ideas and managing teams.
To attain a Diploma of Screen and Media, 15 units of competency must be achieved in what are called core, specialist, elective areas and bank units. These enable students to gain broad skills as well as specialising in areas of interest. Core Competencies focus on an understanding of the industry as well as its OH&S concerns. The specialist units require students to demonstrate expertise in the technical areas of directing, camera, sound and editing. The elective and bank units enable students to develop skills in their key roles for the major projects.
Vocational Outcomes:
Graduates of the Diploma of Screen and Media may be employed in the following job positions:
Click here for career prospects
Graduates may also gain recognition towards further studies:
Click here for university pathways
International graduates may apply for a select number of traineeships:
Click here for traineeships
Entry Requirements:
Click here for a complete list of selection criteria
Targeted Groups:
The Diploma of Screen and Media is targeted for a diverse range of students in age and ethnicity. Students may be:
- Recent School Leavers
- Current Tertiary Students
- Recent Tertiary Graduates
- Mature age students with previous experience in the industry
- Mature age students with no experience in the industry who seek an alternative career path
- International Students
The Diploma of Screen and Media must meet their needs in a vocational way. The course is practical, while developing creative, theoretical and technical skills across a diverse range of subject areas.
Industry Consultation:
Industry consultation is undertaken in a number of forms:
- Monthly meetings of our Industry Advisory Board (formed of working graduate)
- Ongoing discussions with industry active tutors
- Festival programmers, select, award and provide feedback to quality of student films.
- Commercial distributors purchase student films and compilation, and provide feedback on quality and saleability.
- Ongoing verbal consultation with leading filmmakers involved in the Sydney Film School Festivals. (filmmakers include George Miller, Phillip Noyce and Gillian Armstrong)
Holistic Delivery and Assessment:
Sydney Film School uses a holistic delivery and assessment methodology in order to ensure a high quality educational outcome. Under holistic assessment students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency in various skill areas. Holistic assessment also ensures that competencies are delivered and assessed under a variety of industry conditions.
The Sydney Film School operates as a production studio wherein the students commit to industry crew roles and work to film project deadlines.
Delivery of Units of Competency :
To successfully complete this qualification a student must complete 15 units of competency. These units of competency are delivered and assessed over 22 Subjects as follows:
Part One: Subjects 1 - 13
Subject One: 16mm Film Production (Drama)
14 x 3 hour classes
1 x 3 hour pitch session
1 x 7 hour class shoot
Total 52 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Subject Two: Digital Production (Documentary)
14 x 3 hour classes
Total 42 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Three: Story through Sound and Image Part 1
14 x 3 hour classes
Total 42 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Four: Story through Character
14 x 3 hour classes
Total 42 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Five: Risk Management Part 1
1 x 3 hour class
Total 3 hours
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Subject Six: Camera Workshop
4 x 3 hour calsses
Total 12 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Seven: 16mm Film Editing
6 x 3 hour classes
Total 18 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Subject Eight: Digital Editing
2 x 7 hour classes
Total 14 hours
Unit 13 CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turn around
Subject Nine: Specialisation Workshops Part 1
Workshop 1
2 x 7 hour classes
Workshop 2
2 x 7 hour classes
Total 28 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Ten: Drama Projects
1 x 3 hour presentation
Project 1
3 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 3 hour production meeting
3 x 10 hour shoot days
Project 2
3 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 3 hour production meeting
3 x 10 hour shoot days
Total 87 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 13 CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turn around
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Subject Eleven: Documentary Project
3 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 3 hour production meeting
3 x 10 hour shoot days
Total 42 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Subject Twelve: Meet the Filmmaker Part 1
7 x 3 hour classes
Total 21 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Thirteen: Film Festival 1
2 x 7 hour screenings
Total 14 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 13 CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turn around
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Total 417 Hours Part One
Part Two: Subjects 14 - 22
Subject Fourteen: Story through Sound and Image Part 2
7 x 3 hour classes
Total 21 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Fifteen: Risk Management Part 2
1 x 3 hour class
Total 3 hours
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Subject Sixteen: Specialisations Workshops Part 2
Workshop 1
10 x 3 hour classes
Workshop 2
10 x 3 hour classes
Workshop 3
10 x 3 hour classes
Total 90 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Seventeen: Major Project Part 2
2 x 4 hour pitch sessions
1 x 3 hour presentation
Project 1
4 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 4 hour production meeting
5 x 10 hour shoot days
Project 2
4 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 4 hour production meeting
5 x 10 hour shoot days
Total 143 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Eighteen: Thesis Class
14 x 3 hour classes
Total 42 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Nineteen: Thesis Production
Thesis 1
2 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 2 hour production meeting
1 x 10 hour shoot day
Thesis 2
2 x 3 hour pre-production meetings
1 x 2 hour production meeting
1 x 10 hour shoot day
Total 36 hours
Unit 2 BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 5 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 7 CUFWRT501A Develop storylines and treatments
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 10 CUFDRT501A Direct rehearsals of performers
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Subject Twenty: Thesis Editing
3 x 7 hour days
Total 21 hours
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Subject Twenty One: Meet the Filmmaker Part 2
7 x 3 hour classes
Total 21 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 15 CUFRES401A Conduct research
Subject Twenty Two: Film Festival Part 2
2 x 7 hour screenings
Total 14 hours
Unit 1 BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Unit 3 BSBREL401A Establish networks
Unit 4 BSBPMG510A Manage projects
Unit 6 CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
Unit 8 BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas
Unit 9 BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts
Unit 11 CUFDRT502A Direct performers
Unit 12 CUFCAM404A Pull focus
Unit 13 CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turn around
Unit 14 CUFPOS501A Edit complex screen productions
Total 400 Hours Part Two
Total 817 Hours Diploma of Screen & Media
Assessment Scope and Requirements:
Assessment for the 15 units of competency is conducted in class, in a simulated work environment and by evidencing and reviewing tasks performed outside class (e.g written assignments). Assessment conducted in class may be in the form of observation, presentation, visual / aural aids and response to questions. Assessments in a simulated work environment are conducted through observation of student skills working on film projects under industry conditions.
Exiting Prior to Completion:
Students who leave prior to completion may be awarded a Statement of Attainment in particular Units of Competency that have been successfully completed. Each UOC requires a minimum number of tasks successfully performed by the student in order to demonstrate competence.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Course Credit:
Students may wish to be assessed by Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) if they feel that they have achieved levels of competency through previous work or may seek Course Credit for previous studies. SFS recognises students who have attained units of competency from previous studies in accordance with AQF.
Click here for the Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit procedure
Flexible Learning:
Learning and assessment at Sydney Film School is flexible and addresses access and equity for students. Flexible assessment might include cases where film students have poor written skills, and therefore, are disadvantaged by essay assignments. The Head of Studies, tutor and student may agree to undertake the assessment as an oral and / or visual presentation.
Click here for the Fairness and Language, Literacy and Numeracy procedures
Mode of Training: Institution-based training
Training and assessment occurs entirely at the Sydney Film School premises and on film locations.
Click here for a full list of facilities and resources
Validation of Units of Competency adopted by Sydney Film School:
Elective units were selected to support the employability skills list outlined in the training package. Students gain competencies in directing, camera, sound, editing, developing and presenting their ideas.
Click here for a full list of graduate careers
Trainer and Assessor Validation:
Trainers attend meetings during the year to review the assessment of previous student performance. In 2008 a review of the new training package was undertaken including transitioning arrangements.
Click here for a full list of trainers and assessors
Industry Validation:
The current assessment methodology is validated by the overall quality of student films. Students must complete their work on a variety of film productions at a satisfactory level in order to demonstrate competency.
Since its inception six years ago, 65 Sydney Film School films have screened in 91 prestigious film festivals locally and abroad with 25 first prizes. Sydney Film School has had it's films broadcast in most major territories and secured international and local DVD distribution deals for some of its films. If Sydney Film School assessments were not relevant and did not accurately measure the students' competency this would not be the case.
Click here for a list of screenings and awards
Endorsement:
The above training and assessment strategy was endorsed by Sydney Film Schools CEO, Ben Ferris, on July 19th 2011.
