MiuMiu
Somethin' special....
This is a great course for those who want to put their creative and/or analytical skills under scrutiny, and have your talents recognised and rewarded in the HSC.
Quite a few on this board have mentioned that they are at a loss for ideas. Heres one way of going about it:
Medium
This is the first thing to decide. Some will say that it is better to decide an idea, but it is easier to fit an idea to a medium than a medium to an idea. Choose something that you are comfortable, confident & competent with. This is not the course to be exploring totally foreign mediums if you are in this course for the marks (some take it purely to experiment and thats great, as long as you don't have your heart set on 50/50). Mediums include (but are not limited to):
Short Story-this may be one extended story (novella) or a series of short stories, either linked by a common theme (this fetches the best marks) or totally foreign from one another. 65% of the candidature choose this form.
Critical Response-for those with sound analytical skills that have an area of interest (usually in the realm of classic texts such as shakespeare and the like, or comparing texts). This is the 2nd most popular medium and is again very competitive.
Poetry-this takes several forms, such as a suite of poems (several poems either linked together by theme or totally foreign of one another), an extended poem or performance poetry (performed by you and submitted as an audio cd). Poetry is the next popular form of submission.
Film/Video-this requires you to write a script (or it could be a film with no speaking parts) and direct & film. The film medium must be submitted using actual film, so most people opt to do a video (which is the same but you can use the much more readily accessible video camera). This medium is very competitive, and everything from music, lighting, dialogue and camera work is analysed and scrutinized. Generally not a medium for those who have had no experience in this area and don't have ready access to editing materials and a film-making mentor.
Speech-for all of those public speakers out there. This medium requires you to compose a speech on your topic of choice and perform this speech, submitting it in the form of an audio cd. Sound effects may be used but not marked, it is your speaking and composing ability that is assessed.
Script-this medium requires you to compose a script for a film or television show. Thorough research into scriptwriting is required.
Radio Drama-not a hugely popular medium, but done well it is usually well-recieved by the markers. This also requires extensive research into the medium.
Ideas/Concept
This is the next important thing to decide. Cliche needs to be avoided at all costs if you want the marks; creativity & flair is highly rewarded by markers. Write about something in which you are interested and knowledgable, and don't neglect research into the area in order to make sure you do not make obvious mistakes that will devalue your work.
Planning/Composing
It is essential that you plan. For many students, the planning process is much longer and more meticulous than the actual composition stage. Here you will plan how your ideas will fit into your medium. Do not be afraid to add your own flair, as the markers are looking for something out of the ordinary as well as masterful composition. Do not be afraid to experiment. Your first draft will be nowhere near perfect (as the name 'draft' suggests), and if anything it will be used to identify the things you DON'T want to include. Don't begin writing thinking this will be your final product. Your work will undergo many changes from here...go with it!
Seeking opinions/Accepting Criticism
This is very important. You should not be afraid to seek a variety of opinions on your work (your teacher, friends, other teachers, family etc). These people will all have differing opinions--listen and accept these without taking offence. These people are just trying to help you, and remember, you are not obliged to use their ideas if you hate them! Take suggestions on board, but don't change your work just to suit a teacher. YOU have to be happy with the final product!
Before you get started Have a look at the writers showcase & the standards package. This will give you an idea of the quality of submissions and what is required to earn the higher marks. However, DO NOT get intimidated by these works--they are just a select few from people who will probably go on to be writers! Use is as a motivation rather than an intimidation.
IMPORTANTThe most important thing to remember is to enjoy it. This course should be used as an opportunity to merge you interests with your talents. Don't let it get you down or take it so seriously that it gets you down. Use it to provide a means of enrichment & challenge.
ENJOY IT!
Quite a few on this board have mentioned that they are at a loss for ideas. Heres one way of going about it:
Medium
This is the first thing to decide. Some will say that it is better to decide an idea, but it is easier to fit an idea to a medium than a medium to an idea. Choose something that you are comfortable, confident & competent with. This is not the course to be exploring totally foreign mediums if you are in this course for the marks (some take it purely to experiment and thats great, as long as you don't have your heart set on 50/50). Mediums include (but are not limited to):
Short Story-this may be one extended story (novella) or a series of short stories, either linked by a common theme (this fetches the best marks) or totally foreign from one another. 65% of the candidature choose this form.
Critical Response-for those with sound analytical skills that have an area of interest (usually in the realm of classic texts such as shakespeare and the like, or comparing texts). This is the 2nd most popular medium and is again very competitive.
Poetry-this takes several forms, such as a suite of poems (several poems either linked together by theme or totally foreign of one another), an extended poem or performance poetry (performed by you and submitted as an audio cd). Poetry is the next popular form of submission.
Film/Video-this requires you to write a script (or it could be a film with no speaking parts) and direct & film. The film medium must be submitted using actual film, so most people opt to do a video (which is the same but you can use the much more readily accessible video camera). This medium is very competitive, and everything from music, lighting, dialogue and camera work is analysed and scrutinized. Generally not a medium for those who have had no experience in this area and don't have ready access to editing materials and a film-making mentor.
Speech-for all of those public speakers out there. This medium requires you to compose a speech on your topic of choice and perform this speech, submitting it in the form of an audio cd. Sound effects may be used but not marked, it is your speaking and composing ability that is assessed.
Script-this medium requires you to compose a script for a film or television show. Thorough research into scriptwriting is required.
Radio Drama-not a hugely popular medium, but done well it is usually well-recieved by the markers. This also requires extensive research into the medium.
Ideas/Concept
This is the next important thing to decide. Cliche needs to be avoided at all costs if you want the marks; creativity & flair is highly rewarded by markers. Write about something in which you are interested and knowledgable, and don't neglect research into the area in order to make sure you do not make obvious mistakes that will devalue your work.
Planning/Composing
It is essential that you plan. For many students, the planning process is much longer and more meticulous than the actual composition stage. Here you will plan how your ideas will fit into your medium. Do not be afraid to add your own flair, as the markers are looking for something out of the ordinary as well as masterful composition. Do not be afraid to experiment. Your first draft will be nowhere near perfect (as the name 'draft' suggests), and if anything it will be used to identify the things you DON'T want to include. Don't begin writing thinking this will be your final product. Your work will undergo many changes from here...go with it!
Seeking opinions/Accepting Criticism
This is very important. You should not be afraid to seek a variety of opinions on your work (your teacher, friends, other teachers, family etc). These people will all have differing opinions--listen and accept these without taking offence. These people are just trying to help you, and remember, you are not obliged to use their ideas if you hate them! Take suggestions on board, but don't change your work just to suit a teacher. YOU have to be happy with the final product!
Before you get started Have a look at the writers showcase & the standards package. This will give you an idea of the quality of submissions and what is required to earn the higher marks. However, DO NOT get intimidated by these works--they are just a select few from people who will probably go on to be writers! Use is as a motivation rather than an intimidation.
IMPORTANTThe most important thing to remember is to enjoy it. This course should be used as an opportunity to merge you interests with your talents. Don't let it get you down or take it so seriously that it gets you down. Use it to provide a means of enrichment & challenge.
ENJOY IT!
