This learning progression is based on the Media Arts Victorian Curriculum and the VCE Media Study Design. It is designed to guide students through a structured approach to analysing media codes and conventions. The table below outlines the progression, including prompts and example questions for each level.

Level Description Prompts Example Questions
1 Basic understanding of codes and conventions What are media codes and conventions? What is the difference between a code and a convention?
2 Identification of codes and conventions What are some common codes and conventions in media? What codes and conventions are present in this advertisement?
3 Analysis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions contribute to meaning? How does the use of lighting in this film contribute to the mood of the scene?
4 Evaluation of codes and conventions How effective are the codes and conventions in conveying meaning? How successful is the use of camera angles in this music video in creating a sense of intimacy between the artist and audience?
5 Synthesis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions work together to create meaning? How do the use of sound, editing and mise-en-scene in this television show create a particular genre?
Year Level Description Prompts Example Questions
5 Basic understanding of codes and conventions What are media codes and conventions? What is the difference between a code and a convention?
6 Identification of codes and conventions What are some common codes and conventions in media? What codes and conventions are present in this advertisement?
7 Analysis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions contribute to meaning? How does the use of lighting in this film contribute to the mood of the scene?
8 Evaluation of codes and conventions How effective are the codes and conventions in conveying meaning? How successful is the use of camera angles in this music video in creating a sense of intimacy between the artist and audience?
9 Synthesis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions work together to create meaning? How do the use of sound, editing and mise-en-scene in this television show create a particular genre?
10 Analysis of the relationship between codes and conventions and social values How do media codes and conventions reflect or challenge social values? How does the representation of gender in this film reflect or challenge societal norms?
11 Analysis of the relationship between codes and conventions and power How do media codes and conventions contribute to power relationships? How does the use of lighting and camera angles in this news article influence the audience's perception of the subject?
12 Analysis of the interplay between codes and conventions and audience interpretation How do media codes and conventions shape audience interpretation? How does the use of symbolism in this advertisement shape the audience's interpretation of the product?
Year Level Description Prompts Example Questions
5 Basic understanding of codes and conventions What are media codes and conventions? What is the difference between a code and a convention?
6 Identification of codes and conventions What are some common codes and conventions in media? What codes and conventions are present in this advertisement?
7 Analysis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions contribute to meaning? How does the use of lighting in this film contribute to the mood of the scene?
8 Evaluation of codes and conventions How effective are the codes and conventions in conveying meaning? How successful is the use of camera angles in this music video in creating a sense of intimacy between the artist and audience?
9 Synthesis of codes and conventions How do codes and conventions work together to create meaning? How do the use of sound, editing and mise-en-scene in this television show create a particular genre?
10 Analysis of the relationship between codes and conventions and social values How do media codes and conventions reflect or challenge social values? How does the representation of gender in this film reflect or challenge societal norms?