1. Who is the teacher?
Brian Wise
College Email: brianw@holmesglen.vic.edu.au OR
bwise@bigpond.com (I check this email at least several times a day)
Phone : 9564 2610
See About page.
2. Are there any class rules?
Yes, but only a few.
Punctuality
- Class start at 2.00pm or 9.00am – these are not optional times.
You MUST be on time.
NO mobile phones
- Turn your phone OFF when you enter the class. You will have a break and an opportunity to check calls during the session.
You must ask permission if you wish to leave the room for any reason.
You must respect the rights of other class members.
- One person talking at a time. Do not interrupt. Do not talk when the teacher is talking.
You will be expected to participate in class discussions, activities and excursions.
3. What do I do if I know I am going to be late for class or absent for any reason?
- You should ring the above phone number and let me know. You can leave a message. You can email me.
- Lateness and absence severely disrupts group work.
- If you are absent due to illness you should get a Doctor’s certificate.
4. Do we have to meet deadlines?
- Yes. There will be NO extensions granted unless there is a medical reason or you have seen Student Services.
- You will receive adequate notice about when work is due and will be given ample time to complete the work.
- Most practical work during Semester 1 is done during class time.
5. What are the work requirements?
- You will receive a Unit/Module outline in your first class. You will receive an outline for each unit of work.
6. What do we do in class?
- Usually the Monday class is devoted to theory, discussion, watching documentaries, writing etc.
- The other class will be devoted almost entirely to practical work. You will be interviewing, recording, operating the panel, gathering material, researching etc.
7. How much time will I need to spend outside class time on Radio?
- Much of your time outside the class in Semester 1 will be spent listening to different sorts of radio programs writing scripts and doing research. You will be required to write and present radio reviews and later in the semester other work, such as editing, will need to be finished outside class time.
8. What texts will I need to buy?
You do not have to buy texts but should consult:
Radio Production by Robert McLeish
9. What other resources will I need?
- A laptop, or a desktop computer at home or access to a computer outside college hours.
- Internet access (preferably outside college).
- A USB mini-drive of at least 4GB.
- Writeable blank CDs on which to store your work.
- A good set of headphones or earphones.
- AA batteries (Duracell)
- A ring binder or suitable folder for all the handouts and radio work.
10. Do I need to do any reading outside the classroom?
Yes:
- The Age Green Guide – Thursdays / The Australian – Media section – Thursdays
- Other set reading such as handouts, newspapers or online as directed.
11. Do I need to listen to the radio?
Definitely.
The only way to improve your skills is to listen widely.
Think about how we learn skills in other fields.
You will need to listen to 774, Radio National, New Radio, BBC, NPR etc.
You will be required to listen to various programs as directed. I will also post a list of recommended programs. You can add to this list as the year goes on.
12. What programs should I watch on television that are relevant to the course?
Media Watch is a must – Monday evenings.
13. Where does this course lead?
Each year quite a few students from this course are accepted into the Swinburne Commercial Radio Course this year.
Many students opt for further study at university.
14. What else will I get out of this course?
Communication skills / Confidence / Voice training and presentation / General knowledge / Versatility
15. What should I do about work placement?
Start organising it now!
It is never too early to start. Consult Margaret Gee’s Media Guide
16. What are the most important qualities I need to do well in this course?
Reliability / Perseverance / Commitment / Organisation / Enthusiasm / A sense of humour.
17. What else is required of me?
I expect you to do some observation or volunteer work for a community radio station of your choice.
18. When do we start work?
Today. See next entry.
