Creative Qualifications FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

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Creative Qualifications FAQs
Q: What are the RSL Creative Qualifications (CQs)?
A: The Creative Qualifications cover two digital media communication: Podcasting and Vlogging. Vlogging is the process of creating a video blogpost (Vlog). Podcasting is the process of creating a spoken audio recording which often takes the form of interviews and relevant audio effects. Both are then uploaded to the cloud (published online) where they are listened to using digital streaming services, such as online radio stations, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
Q: What qualification do you get?
A: The Creative Qualifications run from Debut – Grade 8 like instrumental music exams, but, unlike Graded Music Exams, the course is 100% coursework so assessment is done by submitting your finished work to a secure portal for marking.
Q: Who are they for?
A: The Creative Qualifications are designed for anyone who wants to gain a globally-recognised qualification in Podcasting or Vlogging. They can be studied by individuals independently or with a teacher. They are particularly well-suited to teachers looking for ways of giving groups or whole classes of students a route to gaining a creative qualification in digital media through their curriculum, extra-curricular clubs and out of hours provision.
Q: How is it assessed? Is there an exam?
A: Each qualification is assessed through 90% portfolio submission and a 10% critical evaluation. This means that, for each grade, students work through a practical coursework task and, when it is finished, they complete an evaluation of their work and upload both for submission to a secure portal. Our team of examiners then mark the work and give students a grade. The work is marked out of 100 and students gain either a Pass, Merit or Distinction. You can find the markscheme in the Syllabus Guide and on our website here: Podcasting // Vlogging.
Q: Do I get a certificate?
A: Yes. Students are given a digital marksheet and a certificate for the grade they have completed.
Q: What other feedback do I get?
A: Students will also receive unique video feedback from their examiner sent digitally to their RSL Awards account.
Q: Do grades 6 – 8 carry UCAS points?
A: UCAS points are still to be allocated.
Q: Do I need to buy a book to do this qualification?
A: GoCreate Academy are producing e-publications to accompany the grades covering all the content needed for the qualification, including the coursework task. These will be available to purchase through their website. COMING SOON.
Q: How much do the exams cost?
A: You can find information about the cost of exams on our website hereCreative Qualifications: Dates & Fees. They have been priced in bands related to their RQF level to make entries for groups of students as flexible as possible. If you are planning on taking the exam from outside the UK, please visit the relevant page for your country.
Q: How and when do I enter for an exam?
A: You can enter for your exam at any time as assessment is via submission of coursework. Entries will be available from October 2020.
Q: How long do I have between paying for my qualification and submitting my coursework?
A: Candidates will have 1 month from the point of purchasing an assessment in which to submit their coursework.
Q: I am a teacher and want to enter a whole class for their qualification, how do I do this?
A: Please contact info@rslawards.com to submit your entries for a whole class.
Q: Do I need to pay a centre fee?
A: No. There are no centre fees as all assessment is carried out via online submission of a portfolio.
Q: What equipment and software do I need to complete the qualification?
A: This varies according to the grade so please look at the syllabus document available on our website here for more detailed information: Podcasting // Vlogging.
Q: Are there any support materials available to help with my learning/teaching?
A: We are producing exemplar Schemes of Work for Debut – Grade 2 which will be available on our website.
Q: What format does the coursework need to be submitted in?
A: The syllabus document contains this information on the formats to submit your work in: Podcasting // Vlogging.
Q: What E Publication Reader do you recommend to view the Creative Qualification eBooks?
A: We recommend using ‘Adobe Digital Editions’ to view the eBooks. Download this free eReader here to experience eBooks in the most optimum format across PC, MAC, tablets or mobile devices.