Their journey starts here Level 3 Tech-levels in Entertainment Technology Find out more at: aqa.org.uk/tech-levels
Why teach our Tech-levels in Entertainment Technology You ll be at the cutting edge of change, engaging learners on their journey You ll deliver a curriculum that will transform the way learners enter the workplace. Our specifications will always be topical and up-to-date because of our ongoing work with industry and experts. Occupationally relevant content gives learners an in depth understanding of their chosen subject and industry. They re relevant for the modern world, helping learners achieve their destination Essential transferable skills ensure they go one step further in preparing learners for their chosen destination. Your learners will have a wider and clearer choice of opportunities for progression. Designed to meet employers needs, they ll prepare learners for a competitive job market. You ll be supported every step of the way, we ll help you help your learners succeed We ve built specifications with you in mind, using a clear and easy to understand format. Our comprehensive package of resources and training will help you with delivery. Our Tech-levels are also eligible for UCAS tariff points, ensuring your learners will be able to progress into higher education. Tech-levels deliver what they say they ll deliver: learners with the right skills, attributes and attitude to add value from the day they walk through your doors and on to the next stage of their journey. All of our technical and vocational qualifications meet the criteria for inclusion on performance tables. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ performance-tables-technical-and-vocationalqualifications It s easy to become a If you d like to teach our Tech-levels, email us at techlevels@aqa.org.uk These courses will offer an excellent foundation for learners seeking advancement to higher education and a career in the games or other creative industries. It would certainly be a welcome addition to any CV that crosses our desk. The collaboration with experts from the field ensures the content is relevant to employment in the games industry and we can see plenty of vital content has been included. Martin Servante Chief Operating Officer Creative Assembly 2
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY An introduction to our Tech-levels in Entertainment Technology These qualifications offer a suitable alternative to the current vocational qualifications and/or A-level. They enable learners to progress into employment, an apprenticeship or further study at university. We developed them with leading employers, 16 19 providers and professional bodies, who fully endorse their credibility. This is what makes our Tech-levels in Entertainment Technology unique. Designing these qualifications with employers to include contextualised transferable skills, means that employers and higher education providers will be confident that learners have the knowledge and skills that are critical to successful career progression. We offer four Tech-levels in Entertainment Technology: Video Games Art and Design Production (1080 GLH) Video Games Art and Design (720 GLH) Video Games Art and Animation (540 GLH) Video Games Art and Mechanics (360 GLH) *GLH = Guided learning hours The UK video games industry continues to go from strength to strength. Contributing over 1.4 million to the economy; we need young people with the right skills to help make the UK the world leader in video games production. We ve developed our Tech-level qualifications by working with employers, trade bodies, higher education institutes and colleges to ensure the next generation of individuals involved in the production of video games are equipped with the skills the industry demands. We ve worked with UKIE, Radiant Worlds and Creative Assembly Paul Carter AQA Sector Strategist Entertainment Technology 3
Level 3 Tech-level in: Video Games Art and Design Production Along with the skills covered in the Tech-level in Video Games Art and Design, learners gain skills from the Level 3 video games production pipeline associated with 3D character art, how to create a fully functional user interface, add sound to their game and work as part of a video games production team. Through this learning and the use of visual scripting within a games engine, learners establish the skills to progress towards a career in video games art and design production. A career in video games requires learners to communicate as part of a larger production team and demonstrate a high standard of research skill. These skills are at the heart of this qualification. Transferable skills: Communication, teamwork and research This qualification is approved by Creative Skillset, Creative and Cultural Skills and UKIE. Find out more Visit aqa.org.uk/videogamestech-levels Unit summary This qualification comprises twelve mandatory units. All units must be completed to achieve the full qualification. The remaining three video game qualifications in this brochure comprise of four or more of the units from this Video Games Art and Design Production qualification. Unit number Unit title 1 Business for video games This unit gives learners an overview of what it s like to work in the video game industry. They ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the development of a video game as well as to set up and run their own business. 2 Digital asset management Learners will gain an understanding of the nature of assets created, developed and stored using digital media. They ll learn the best practice for storing, versioning and archiving these as well as the implications for digital and intellectual property rights management. 3 2D games art Games artists, whether working in 2D or 3D games, still rely upon an understanding of the basic elements of a traditional visual language. Through the use of mixed media learners will investigate the essential skills of perspective, proportion and colour theory required in this role. Assessment type External examination External examination 4
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Unit number Unit title 4 Concept art Learners will develop digital drawing skills using image manipulation and drawing software. They ll discover the essential elements of composition, perspective, masking and selecting, colour theory, brushes and commonly used tools. 5 3D environment art This unit introduces learners to video game environment art. They ll focus on the key construction principles of modelling and texturing used in developing video game landscapes. 6 3D character art Through the use of 3D modelling and drawing software learners will develop the skills that are essential in becoming a character artist. They ll explore different ways of constructing characters for use in real time video game engines. 7 User interface Learners will develop the skills to design a user interface suitable for use in games, implement designs on a technical level and use a real time engine to present their work. They ll de-construct existing user interfaces and gain knowledge of typography, user experience and information architecture. 8 Animation and VFX Giving learners an overview of the key principles of animation, this unit focuses on applying these to the in-game environment and characters. They ll also be introduced to visual effects for games engines including particle systems and dynamics. 9 Level design Learners will focus on the design process required to take a level from idea through to a final playable level. They ll develop initial concepts into a 2D level design, continually testing, analysing and evolving it into an in-game playable whitebox prototype. 10 Games mechanics Learners investigate ideas behind games design why we play games and how games are designed. They ll use this knowledge to drive their own concepts and ideas to develop a playable character within a games engine. 11 Games audio This unit introduces learners to the principles and practice of creating, processing and synchronising sounds to images for use with an in-game environment. 12 Collaborative games development project Working as a team, learners all take on a particular role within the development process producing content in line with this role in order to produce a finished, working game that can be released to the public. Assessment type Externally set and marked practical assignment Externally set and marked practical assignment 5
Level 3 Tech-level in: Video Games Art and Design In addition to the skills covered as part of the Video Games Art and Animation Tech-level, learners develop their visual scripting skills by focussing on the design process required to take a level from idea through to playable concept. With more and more assets being created, learners will be taught best practice for storing, assigning versions and archiving, and will gain awareness of implications of digital rights and intellectual property right management. Both are essential skills for the sustainability of any games business. Through this learning and the use of visual scripting within a games engine, learners will establish skills to progress towards an exciting career in video games art or design. Video games art and design topics include: understanding key skills to grow and sustain a video games business storing, assigning versions and archiving, digital rights management and intellectual property rights essential drawing principles needed to succeed as an artist essential digital drawing skills required to be a video games concept artist how to create engaging 3D environment art how to animate created assets and add VFX the iterative design process to take a level from idea to playable concept understanding the ideas behind games design and how to implement them in a games engine. Transferable skills: Communication and Research This qualification is approved by Creative Skillset, Creative and Cultural Skills and UKIE. Find out more Visit aqa.org.uk/videogamestech-levels 6
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Unit summary This qualification features eight mandatory units. These are units one, two, three, four, five, eight, nine and ten from the Video Games Art and Design Production qualification. All eight units must be completed to achieve the full qualification. Unit number Unit title 1 Business for video games This unit gives learners an overview of what it s like to work in the video game industry. They ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the development of a video game as well as to set up and run their own business. 2 Digital asset management Learners will gain an understanding of the nature of assets created, developed and stored using digital media. They ll learn the best practice for storing, versioning and archiving these as well as the implications for digital and intellectual property rights management. 3 2D games art Games artists, whether working in 2D or 3D games, still rely upon an understanding of the basic elements of a traditional visual language. Through the use of mixed media learners will investigate the essential skills of perspective, proportion and colour theory required in this role. 4 Concept art Learners will develop digital drawing skills using image manipulation and drawing software. They ll discover the essential elements of composition, perspective, masking and selecting, colour theory, brushes and commonly used tools. 5 3D environment art This unit introduces learners to video game environment art. They ll focus on the key construction principles of modelling and texturing used in developing video game landscapes. 8 Animation and VFX Giving learners an overview of the key principles of animation, this unit focuses on applying these to the in-game environment and characters. They ll also be introduced to visual effects for games engines including particle systems and dynamics. 9 Level design Learners will focus on the design process required to take a level from idea through to a final playable level. They ll develop initial concepts into a 2D level design, continually testing, analysing and evolving it into an in-game playable whitebox prototype. 10 Games mechanics Learners investigate ideas behind games design why we play games and how games are designed. They ll use this knowledge to drive their own concepts and ideas to develop a playable character within a games engine. Assessment type External examination External examination Externally set and marked practical assignment 7
Level 3 Tech-level in: Video Games Art and Animation Animating art assets and applying VFX is at the heart of any video game. In addition to skills gained in the Techlevel in Video Games Art and Mechanics, learners will develop key principles of animation and VFX and use visual scripting to animate their own art assets. Learners will enhance their digital art skills by covering concept art, learning the skills required to bring their own ideas to life. This ensures they establish the skills and experience to progress towards a career in video games art and animation. A career in video games requires learners to communicate as part of a larger production team and demonstrate a high standard of research skills, both of these are at the heart of this qualification. Video games art and animation topics include: understanding key skills to grow and sustain a video games business considering the fundamental drawing principles essential to succeed as an artist digital drawing skills required by a video games concept artist how to create engaging 3D environment art how to animate created assets and add VFX understanding ideas behind games design and implementing them in a games engine. Transferable skills: Communication and research This qualification is approved by Creative Skillset, Creative and Cultural Skills, TIGA and UKIE. Find out more Visit aqa.org.uk/videogamestech-levels 8
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Unit summary This qualification features six mandatory units. These are units one, three, four, five, eight and ten from the Video Games Art and Design Production qualification. All six units must be completed to achieve the full qualification. Unit number Unit title 1 Business for video games This unit gives learners an overview of what it s like to work in the video game industry. They ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the development of a video game as well as to set up and run their own business. 3 2D games art Games artists, whether working in 2D or 3D games, still rely upon an understanding of the basic elements of a traditional visual language. Through the use of mixed media learners will investigate the essential skills of perspective, proportion and colour theory required in this role. 4 Concept art Learners will develop digital drawing skills using image manipulation and drawing software. They ll discover the essential elements of composition, perspective, masking and selecting, colour theory, brushes and commonly used tools. 5 3D environment art This unit introduces learners to video game environment art. They ll focus on the key construction principles of modelling and texturing used in developing video game landscapes. 8 Animation and VFX Giving learners an overview of the key principles of animation, this unit focuses on applying these to the in-game environment and characters. They ll also be introduced to visual effects for games engines including particle systems and dynamics. 10 Games mechanics Learners investigate ideas behind games design why we play games and how games are designed. They ll use this knowledge to drive their own concepts and ideas to develop a playable character within a games engine. Assessment type External examination Externally set and marked practical assignment 9
Foundation Tech-level in: Video Games Art and Mechanics Learning fundamental drawing principles and design concepts using visual scripting within a games engine, means learners establish the skills to progress towards a career in video games art and mechanics. A career in video games requires learners to communicate as part of a larger production team and demonstrate a high standard of research skills, both of these are at the heart of this qualification. Video Games Art and Mechanics topics include: a wide understanding of the key skills required to grow and sustain a video games business which fundamental drawing principles are essential to succeed as an artist how to create engaging 3D environment art understanding the fundamental ideas behind games design and how to implement them in a games engine. Transferable skills: Communication and research This qualification is approved by Creative Skillset, Creative and Cultural Skills, TIGA and UKIE. Find out more Visit aqa.org.uk/videogamestech-levels 10
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Unit summary This qualification features four mandatory units. These are units one, three, five and ten from the Video Games Art and Design Production qualification. All four units must be completed to achieve the full qualification. Unit number Unit title 1 Business for video games This unit gives learners an overview of what it s like to work in the video game industry. They ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the development of a video game as well as to set up and run their own business. 3 2D games art Games artists, whether working in 2D or 3D games, still rely upon an understanding of the basic elements of a traditional visual language. Through the use of mixed media learners will investigate the essential skills of perspective, proportion and colour theory required in this role. 5 3D environment art This unit introduces learners to video game environment art. They ll focus on the key construction principles of modelling and texturing used in developing video game landscapes. 10 Games mechanics Learners investigate ideas behind games design why we play games and how games are designed. They ll use this knowledge to drive their own concepts and ideas to develop a playable character within a games engine. Assessment type External examination Externally set and marked practical assignment 11
Free support materials We ve worked closely with employers, higher education institutes and tutors to create support materials that you ll find useful and inspiring they ll also help you hit the ground running. Each resource will help you with a specific aspect either planning your lessons, delivery or preparing your learners for exams or assignments. Our free support includes: sample schemes of work for every unit direct access to our subject and curriculum experts delivery models to support curriculum planning specimen question papers and mark schemes sample assignment briefs with industry input including specialized character designs specific subject pages to access bespoke resources. Access these support materials at aqa.org.uk/subjects/entertainmenttechnology/tech-level Supporting you all the way Our free introductory and prepare to teach events provide you an overview of the qualification and in depth training on content, delivery and assessment. Available online or face-to-face. Book your course at aqa.org.uk/professional-development If you have any queries email tvq@aqa.org.uk or call 0800 085 0391. 12
TECH-LEVELS IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY Clear assessment and marking you can trust Our new qualifications are a combination of internally and externally units. units are by -devised tasks or assignments; externally are set and marked by us. Our qualifications are graded using very clear and unambiguous grading criteria, designed to ensure that teachers and internal assessors are confident in their judgements. The criteria have been developed in consultation with employers, professional bodies and higher education to ensure that learners are always being in a meaningful and relevant manner. In addition to the qualification certificate, our Tech-level learners receive a Skills statement. This confirms the transferable skills covered in the qualification and can be used to support job or university applications. 13
Administration overview Centre approval Centre approval is free for all our technical and vocational qualifications. Please contact us tvq@aqa.org.uk for further information and details of how to apply. Register your learners Register your learners on our approved system and we ll allocate an external quality assurer (EQA) to provide quality assurance advice and support for your. Assessment For externally units, you can enter your learners for the next available examination session and/or external assignment window on our approved system as soon as they are ready. Results will be issued by the date published on the Technical and vocational examination timetable. Assessment of internally units can be undertaken at a time to suit yourself and the learner. Internal quality assurance should be undertaken within the on an ongoing basis. Our external quality assurer will then carry out a visit to review your assessment and Internal quality assurer activity, provide feedback, advice and guidance on best practice, and authorise claims for certification as appropriate. Certification Once all units have been successfully achieved, we will issue a larger qualification certificate. We will also issue a Skills statement for each learner. 14
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We re here to help If you have any queries or if you d like to become a, email tvq@aqa.org.uk or call 0800 085 0391. Explore our Tech-level specifications further by visiting aqa.org.uk/tech-levels aqa.org.uk Copyright 2017 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (registered charity number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 3644723). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. June 2017 G01370d