Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This document has been updated to address new issues that have arisen from moderation.
The purpose of clarifications
We create clarification documents to help people understand the current requirements of achievement standards. Clarifications do not introduce new criteria, change the intent of the standard, or change what we expect from assessment.
These documents unpack and explain the language and intent of the standard so people interpret and apply the standard consistently. We provide examples or guidance as illustrations only. They are not prescriptions or requirements.
For official requirements, always refer to the current version of the achievement standard as published by NZQA.
Focus of the standard
Students are required to produce a design for a media product that meets the requirements of a brief. The brief itself should provide the opportunity for students to complete a design for a product with sufficient complexity for level 8 of the curriculum.
Students should complete all three aspects of the design (concept, treatment, and pre-production materials) to achieve the standard. The Conditions of Assessment provide information of what is required for each of these aspects.
Both the technological aspects and content of the product need equal attention. For example, for the production of a magazine spread, the planning for content such as potential interview subjects, language choices, narrative structure, and research should be discussed, as well as technical details such as font selection, colour, layout, and photo manipulation. A detailed discussion of the choices made is needed.
It is important the materials go beyond a detailed justification of the concept. For example, for a moving image product, this might include detailed discussion of aspects such as the key conventions, the overall narrative, characterisation, setting and style, supported by a range of pre-production materials such as a storyboard and script.
Reflection and refinement
A key part of this standard is the creative and practical process students undertake when completing pre-production activities for a media product. Important parts of the materials students produce will include the reflection and reworking of ideas, evidence of deliberate choices considering the potential impact of the completed product on the intended audience, and evidence of the consideration of practicalities.
Reflection should form part of the planning process. For example, reflection might look at how decisions may impact on the product and be used to influence planning decisions, rather than a retrospective reflection of the overall process once the product has been made.
Evidence of design choices
It is important that students are able to demonstrate evidence of the deliberate and effective selection and application of design choices needed for Merit and Excellence. For example, when completing a design for a magazine spread, the inclusion of a style guide for an existing publication may limit the student’s opportunity to show their own design choices.
The use of pre-production activities such as storyboards, scripts, and dummy layouts provide opportunities for students to show how the design choices outlined in the concept and treatment may be applied in the context of the overall product.