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Media Requirements

Graduation Distinction in Media

Distinction in Media Requirements (A-E)

A. Apply for the program with the Media Distinction Coordinator (Emily Heilker) no later than February 1 of 10th grade.  New to Woodward 11th-grade students must immediately apply to the program upon enrolling to see if meeting all the requirements would be possible to fulfill.

B. Complete a Final Cut Pro for Apple certification, an Adobe certification (one of the four options: Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, or Premiere Pro), or complete one of the Upper School's media exams with a grade of at least a B. 

C. Complete a web-based portfolio before spring break of your senior year. 

  1. By October 1 of senior year, complete a proposal of the elements that will be provided in your web portfolio
  2. By Nov 1 have written your “About Me” and “Resume” sections on your website 
  3. By Feb 1 meet with your advisor(s) for a portfolio check-in 
  4. Select two disciplines below and compile a minimum of three projects in each medium. These may be revised and polished versions of earlier projects. 
    1. Film (Fiction and Nonfiction)
    2. Photography
    3. Graphic Design (Digital and Print) 
    4. Writing (Digital and Print)
    5. Podcast 
    6. Broadcast
  5. Present portfolio to class and advisor(s) post-spring break 

D. Complete a minimum of six-semester credits from the following courses and achieve a B or higher average in each class. (NOTE: Students who enroll in full-year courses will receive 2 credits per course)

  1. Film Studies EP (9-12; fall and spring semester)*
  2. Introduction to Film EP (9-12; fall and spring semester)* 
  3. Advanced Film HP (10-12; yearlong)**
  4. Independent Performing Arts HP with Film (11-12; yearlong)**
  5. Journalism 1 EP (9-12; summer and fall semester) 
  6. Journalism 2 EP (9-12; spring semester only)
  7. Blade/Butterknife EP (9-12; yearlong)
  8. Blade/Butterknife HP (10-12; yearlong)**
  9. Blade/Butterknife HP Capstone (11-12; yearlong)**
  10. Yearbook EP (9-12; yearlong) 
  11. Yearbook HP (11-12; yearlong)**
  12. Yearbook HP Capstone (11-12; yearlong)**
  13. Introduction to Broadcast and Video Production EP (9-12; yearlong)
  14. Advanced Broadcast HP (10-12; yearlong)**
  15. Creative Writing 1 or 2 EP (10-12; fall and spring semester)*
  16. Creative Writing 3 or 4 HP (11-12; fall and spring semester)**
  17. Photography 1 EP (10-12; fall semester) 
  18. Photography 2 EP (10-12; spring semester)**
  19. Advanced Photography 1 HP (11-12; yearlong)** 
  20. Advanced Photography 2 HP (12 only; yearlong)**

*requires permission from the instructor
**requires a prerequisite and/or permission from the instructor  

E. Complete three of the following options by Spring Break of senior year.

  1. Complete an internship with, work at, or participate in any of the following organizations/ programs with approval and in conversation with your advisor(s).
    1. GSPA Student Ambassador 
    2. Georgia Film Academy
    3. Atlanta Film Society
    4. GPB 
    5. MARCOM Internship
    6. Rough Draft 
    7. Another local media organization 
  2. Volunteer with a single service organization for at least 10 hours (search for opportunities on HelperHelper) and complete an assignment in addition to your service. Reach out to your advisor(s) to discuss your project. 
    1. SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
      1. WA Grows
      2. Horizons Atlanta
      3. Canned Food Drive
      4. Love Beyond Walls
      5. Furnish with Love
      6. Blessings in a Backpack
      7. Or another organization working in an Atlanta community (by approval)
    2. ASSIGNMENT: Choose one of the following to complete in addition to your service. 
      1. Create a 10-minute video documentary about the organization you volunteered for and your experience with it
      2. Write an article about the organization you volunteered for and your experience with it
      3. Create a photo journal about the organization you volunteered for and your experience with it
  3. Attend two of the following events:
    1. A screening at any Atlanta film festival (AFF, SCAD FF, RIF, AJFF)
    2. JEA/National Scholastic Press Association (JEA/NSPA)
    3. Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA)
    4. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA)
    5. Jostens Summer Workshop 
    6. Washington Journalism and Media Conference 
  4. Help organize, facilitate, or participate in Woodward Academy’s Film Festival 
  5. Participate in one of the following clubs for at least two years: 
    1. Coffee House
    2. Film Club
    3. Creative Writing Collective
    4. Silent Voices
    5. Quill and Scroll International Honors Society