Showcasing creative excellence

At MLC, Media students are immersed in an exciting blend of classroom learning and practical experiences. From screenings at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) and live television studio visits to special programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and working in the MLC television studio and sound and editing booths, students gain hands-on exposure to the media industry. These experiences help them explore potential career pathways, sparking excitement about future opportunities in media.

Students begin their media journey in Year 7 with Digital Technology, where they establish foundational skills and knowledge. In Years 9 and 10, they can choose electives in Digital Technology or Media, and by Years 11 and 12, students can specialise further with options including VCE Media, VCE Applied Computing, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Digital Society.

The Digital Technology and Media curriculum empowers students to shape change by developing critical skills in information systems, media literacy and digital creativity. It combines both theory and practical learning, equipping students with essential, real-world skills.

MLC’s Head of Digital Technology and Media, Victoria Giummarra, explains, “At every year level where students undertake media subjects, theoretical and practical tasks play a vital role in helping students develop media literacy and an ability to craft stories with meaning and impact. This combination makes media such a relevant and fascinating subject for our young people.”

Beyond the classroom, MLC’s Screen and Media Club, one of the many student-led clubs at MLC, is a collaborative and welcoming space where students from Years 7 to 12 explore diverse interests in film, television and video games. “Many of the sessions are student-led, encouraging a culture of collaboration between students,” Victoria says. “There is always a feeling of real joy when students find new things to add to their ‘watchlist’ or come across peers who share the same passions as them.”

Throughout the year, Year 12 VCE Media students engage in practical learning through their school-assessed tasks (SATs), where they apply their skills in real-world projects. This year, they had the exciting opportunity to showcase these projects at a special screening at Lido Cinema in Hawthorn. Presenting their SATs to an audience of over 200, students brought 14 impressive works to life on the big screen, including short films, photographic series and video game designs. This sold-out event not only highlighted the creativity and dedication of the students but also provided a unique opportunity for them to celebrate their achievements in a professional setting.

_{Year 12 VCE Media students}

“The opportunity to share their work with an audience in a local venue was enriching,” says Victoria. “Students were able to screen their work in the ideal reception context, complete with a huge picture and professional sound.”

Students put in extensive effort to perfect their productions for the cinema setting, carefully balancing sound and colour correction to optimise the viewing experience and bring their narratives to life.

“Presenting their work publicly meant expectations were higher, but so were the rewards for being courageous and embracing a new challenge,” Victoria explains. “For some of our students, this opportunity was a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to see their creations on the big screen; for others, this is hopefully only the beginning.”

With its blend of structured learning and real-world experiences, MLC’s Media curriculum empowers students to become confident, innovative creators ready to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.