Daniel didn’t think he would like to stay on at school because poring over dusty books didn’t appeal to him. However when introduced to the GNVQ media course where he was shown how to use camera equipment and editing software, this motivated him to further his education and go on to do a level 3 level media course. Daniel felt that learning in this way was more relevant to what he wanted to do when he left school.

Media course tutor, Simon Wells, introduced the vocational course with industry professionals and pitched the fun, hands-on course to those he thought would be motivated and creative like Daniel. Simon said;

“The GNVQ is a vocational course and is more hands-on. It is worth the equivalent of 5 GCSEs. It motivated Daniel to continue in education because it was practical and gave him the experience of what he would actually be involved in if he decided to take up a career in the creative and media industry. “

Daniel said;

“Through the course I learned how to produce and edit films and have produced a number of films for the college as a result. It was only by doing this course that I decided I would stay on at school as the style of learning suited me. As part of the course, I have worked in small production teams and taken on professional roles covering everything from pre-production to production and post-production. This has been an excellent experience as we have had the opportunity to work on professional briefs and produce work that is of industry standard.”

Daniel is currently in his second year of the level 3 course and hopes to get a job in a media company in South Yorkshire after his studies. Eventually he wants to pursue a career in film.

“I am excited that many media companies have relocated to South Yorkshire recently and I’m lucky to have had a good grounding at school of practical media applications. I would recommend the vocational route to anyone that likes to get stuck in and learn as they go along.”