Bitesize National 4 and 5 Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

28th September 2016

Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Contents About this commission......................................................................................................................... 3 Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 3 Look and feel..................................................................................................................................... 3 Outline of work .................................................................................................................................. 4 Who is the BBC Bitesize audience? .............................................................................................. 5 Style, tone and the Bitesize brand ................................................................................................. 5 About the content: Qualifications ....................................................................................................... 6 About the qualifications ................................................................................................................... 6 General points on content ................................................................................................................... 8 Storyboards and scripts................................................................................................................... 8 Education consultants ..................................................................................................................... 9 About this commission......................................................................................................................... 9 Diversity ............................................................................................................................................. 9 User-testing ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Deliverables....................................................................................................................................... 9 Working together ................................................................................................................................ 10 Who’s responsible for what? ........................................................................................................ 10 Supplier will be responsible for: ............................................................................................... 10 BBC will be responsible for: ...................................................................................................... 10 The BBC Learning team ................................................................................................................ 10 Schedule/project management .................................................................................................... 10 Out of scope .................................................................................................................................... 11 The process......................................................................................................................................... 13 Proposal ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Resourcing ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Budget .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Proposal deliverable list ................................................................................................................ 15 Pitch.................................................................................................................................................. 15 Key dates ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Selection .......................................................................................................................................... 16

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

About this commission Purpose We want to commission short online videos to help students studying Biology for National 4 and 5 qualifications in Scotland. The videos will sit alongside text content, graphics and quizzes that cover National 4 and 5 Biology. Video content should complement existing resources but also act as visual elements in their own right. The films must clearly portray an understanding of key experiments and scientific principles, referencing correct and specific terminology for the National 4 and 5 level.

Look and feel Quick, clear visual and scripted storytelling and the ability to convey key information in a thought-provoking way is a priority. Bold visuals that read well on a range of devices are essential. These must be eye-catching with imagery that will help students retain information. Connecting with the concepts, principles and images taught in the classroom and reflecting the language of the audience should be considered. We will commission a strong and relevant concept that clearly brands these Biology films as a suite and as part of Bitesize. It is critical to the success of this commission that the films clearly reflect each specific area of the Biology course outlined and effectively link visual concepts with key terminology. The films will be a key resource for learners studying independently (at home) and so must provide a clear and thorough understanding of each learning outcome. By reiterating what has been taught in the classroom, these films will better equip learners to understand fundamental areas of the course.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Outline of work  25 short-form videos, animations, or a combination of both, each of approximately 1 ½ - 2 minutes, with a total duration of approximately 45-50 minutes.  Videos and animations should be linear - interactivity is out of scope for this commission.  Videos and animations should help National 4 and 5 students (15-17 years old) understand the following units: Biology N4   

Cell biology Multicellular organisms Life on earth

Biology N5   

Cell biology Multicellular organisms Life on earth

 Video/animation content should be engaging and informative and should get the learning points across in an accessible way. The video/animation content should present the key points of the curriculum using a practical approach. We are open to all fresh, creative ideas.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief About BBC Bitesize

Who is the BBC Bitesize audience? Bitesize is the BBC’s study support service for students, helping 6-16-year-olds with their coursework, homework and preparation for tests and exams. Bitesize covers core subjects for Primary pupils, and a much wider range of subjects at secondary, including Scottish National 4 and 5 and Higher qualifications, GCSE and Welsh TGAU. Bitesize is used by approximately three-quarters of secondary school students in the UK, and traffic has peaked this year –so far – at just over 3.3m unique UK users per week. Although Bitesize now incorporates video clips for use in class by teachers, this commission is part of our student-facing content and will sit within our learner guides.

Style, tone and the Bitesize brand BBC Bitesize is a highly trusted brand that students know they can turn to for reliable and dependable information produced in a high quality and entertaining way. Bitesize brand values:       

quality learning resources with high production values, tailored to the needs of our audience clear, concise delivery of the key educational points - bite-sized chunks accessible to every level of academic ability and learning style factually correct, high-quality and curriculum-relevant content simple, straightforward language engaging, entertaining and memorable innovative educational media formats

The video links below - whilst not being representative of the style we’re looking for from this specific commission - give an indication of the scope and wide variety of Bitesize videos currently available: 

National 5 Music http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zkty4wx

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National 5 Art and Design http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0452455 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0496086

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National 5 English http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03sl2zj http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03ntwsy

The style and tone of the video and animation content should be pitched beyond the 15-17 age range. At this stage we would prefer to see proposals that look too old rather than too young.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief About the content: Qualifications The content is for use by students studying: National 4 and National 5 Biology as outlined by http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47422.html http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47427.html

About the qualifications

National 4 Biology The course has three mandatory units and Added Value Unit. All units are internally assessed. Unit 1 - Cell Biology In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of cell biology. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are: cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of microorganisms and use in industries, photosynthesis — limiting factors, factors affecting respiration, and controversial biological procedures. Unit 2 - Multicellular Organisms In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of multicellular organisms. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are: sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions. Unit 3 - Biology: Life on Earth In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of life on Earth. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are how animal and plants species depend on each other, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival. 6

Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief Added Value Unit: Biology Assignment. In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

National 5 Biology The course consists of three mandatory units. All units are internally assessed. There is also a course assessment which consists of an assignment and an examination question paper. Unit 1- Cell Biology In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of cell biology. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are: cell structure; transport across cell membranes; producing new cells; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins and enzymes; genetic engineering; photosynthesis and respiration. Unit 2 - Multicellular Organisms In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of multicellular organisms. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are: cells, tissues and organs; stem cells and meristems; control and communication; reproduction, variation and inheritance; the need for transport and effects of life-style choices on animal transport and exchange systems. Unit 3 - Life on Earth In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of life on Earth. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. The key areas covered are: biodiversity and the distribution of life; energy in ecosystems; sampling techniques and measurement of abiotic and biotic factors; adaptation, natural selection and the evolution of species and human impact on the environment. Course assessment At National 5 the added value will be assessed in the Course assessment. The added value for the Course must address the key purposes and aims of the Course as defined in the Course Rationale. It will do this by addressing one or more of breadth, challenge or application.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief For each of the units learners are expected to: Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit to carry out an experiment/practical investigation and draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit and apply scientific skills For the National 5 assessment part of the course: Learners will draw on, extend and apply the skills they have learned during the Course. This will be assessed within a question paper and an assignment, requiring demonstration of the breadth of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired from across the Units and how they can be applied in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

General points on content   

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All video/animation content should reflect key learning outcomes for Biology N4/5 and must use appropriate terminology as agreed with Bitesize. Each video should stand alone in its own right as an engaging piece of content but also should feel part of a connected, albeit varied, suite. Bitesize requires full consultation during the scripting process, including the viewing of drafts to ensure the scripts hit the learning points, and full sign-off on completed scripts. The videos/animations should encourage multiple viewings and sharing with friends. Video/animation content typically remains live on Bitesize for at least 4-5 years, so topical references should be avoided to ensure that the content does not date too quickly. Bitesize will require final sign-off of on-screen or voice talent. Rights should be secured in perpetuity. Any exceptions to this must be agreed with BBC in advance of inclusion. Where used, music should be production/mood music rather than commercial. Submitted proposals should not be longer than 15 pages in length.

Storyboards and scripts The company awarded the contract will produce scripts for all videos and visual storyboards and scripts for every animation based on the topics above. Bitesize requires full consultation during the scripting process, including the viewing of drafts to ensure the scripts hit the learning points, and full signoff on completed scripts. Bitesize will provide the learning points required on which to base the scripts. 8

Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Education consultants Contracting and working with one or more educational specialists/consultants who have a comprehensive and in depth knowledge of this subject and the level at which these videos are aimed at is essential. Educational consultant/s must be involved throughout the process to ensure all learning objectives are covered and content is accurate and relevant. All content (i.e. video concept, initial script, final script, rough cut stages, fine cut etc.) must be reviewed by the consultant before it is sent to us.

About this commission 

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The overall tone should be informal, conversational and appealing to the audience. Dialogue should avoid sounding too didactic or teacher-like. Equally it should not be over-friendly or ‘try too hard’. Pace and tone should be consistent with successful media aimed at this age group. Consideration should be given to balancing pacey delivery with ensuring that learners have time to absorb key information. Clarity is very important. Language should be straightforward and easy to understand. If specific terminology is needed it may need to be explained or words/definitions shown on screen. The video content should represent the diversity of the Bitesize audience Subtitles in English will be required - as per the BBC guidelines http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/futuremedia/accessibility/subtitling.shtml We will provide an xml template for the delivery of subtitles The overall budget for the commission should include any consultant fees.

Diversity BBC Learning is committed to representing the diversity of our audience.

User-testing Companies should user-test visuals to ensure suitability for the audience. The BBC will also aim to user-test content.

Deliverables Final videos in electronic format 50 x HD (a technical specification will be provided), both compressed and uncompressed. Uncompressed audio provided in multiple channels.  XML transcripts for subtitles (template will be provided).  Post-production paperwork (template will be provided). All content should be cleared for all rights in perpetuity. Any exceptions to this must be agreed with BBC in advance of inclusion. This commission will be based on a framework 2 contract.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Working together Who’s responsible for what? Supplier will be responsible for:  project management and production of deliverables to agreed deadline and budget  producing an editorial specification of the project  chairing regular production meetings and communicating project plans and status  quality assurance of content  working with consultant(s) to ensure learning objectives tie in with course requirements and are factually accurate  ensuring that the teaching consultant(s) work closely with script writer  post-production paperwork to be completed in format supplied by BBC (WebasC)

BBC will be responsible for:  sharing project documentation from the wider suite of Bitesize National 4 & 5 content where available, as well as other content relating to each topic i.e. revision notes and tests  collaboration throughout the production and delivery  sign-off on learning objectives, contexts and scenarios, creative treatment, storylines, look and feel, shooting scripts, casting, voice-over samples, rough-cuts and final delivery – within an agreed timeframe

We will be jointly responsible for:  

ensuring the learning outcomes are met ensuring that content is best-fit for the Bitesize audience

The BBC Learning team  Executive producer: Sarah Proctor  Senior producer: Derek Farrell  Producer: Barbara O’Callaghan

Schedule/project management  Although key points such as casting, contexts, voice-over, script and sign-off points, etc will be identified on the Editorial Specification, all Bitesize production follows an iterative development process and we would aim to feed back as soon as possible on all editorial decisions.  Final delivery for the project is 03/03/2017.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief This project is highly dependent on specific delivery dates that will be defined in the contract. As such we would like you to give particular attention to clause 9 in our standard terms which states the following: If you fail or are due to fail to deliver a Deliverable (or any part thereof) due at any stage specified in Schedule 2 for any reason not directly and solely attributable to the BBC, the BBC shall (without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to the BBC under this Agreement or at law) be entitled to terminate this Agreement Should this situation arise and the BBC is forced to terminate, the BBC would only be liable to you for anything delivered prior to termination. For this reason we would ask that you give timeframes and delivery the highest priority.

Out of scope Interactivity within the videos/animations is out of scope.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief Many of the videos will require a National 4 and National 5 version. Both films will cover specific learning outcomes at the required level with the National 5 version being more indepth for example with regards to terminology and biological processes.

The films are: National 4/5 Biology

UNIT 1 - Cell Biology 1. N4 Cells and their uses. o Including cell division 2. N5 Cells and their uses o Including osmosis/diffusion, especially examples featuring more challenging apparatus or different concentrations of solution. 3. N4 Enzymes o Including enzyme action (through different experiments using detergents and rennet) 4. N5 DNA, proteins and enzymes o Including transcription/translation/enzyme action 5. N4 Microorganisms 6. N5 Genetics 7. N4 Photosynthesis and respiration o Including measuring as well as showing the process 8. N5 Photosynthesis and respiration o Including measuring as well as showing the process

UNIT 2 - Multicellular organisms 9. N4 Genetics o Basic monohybrid crosses including genotype 10. N5 Specialised and non-specialised cells – in depth cell structures o Different cell types showing how structure relates to function and that emphasise the common structures found in plant and animal cells. 11. N4 Homeostasis 12. N5 Nervous systems 13. N5 Hormonal systems 14. N4 Asexual reproduction 15. N5 Asexual reproduction 16. N4 Sexual reproduction plants 17. N5 Sexual reproduction plants 18. N4 Sexual reproduction animals 19. N5 Sexual reproduction animals 20. N5 Transport and exchange plant 21. N5 Transport and exchange animal

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief UNIT 3 – Life on Earth 22. N5 Order of evolution – speciation process and stages 23. N4 Nitrogen cycle 24. N5 Nitrogen cycle N5 Abiotic measurement equipment General notes from our Biology teachers     

Due to budget restraints pupils don’t get individual experience of experiments Learners need guidance on how to source data and how to read data e.g. graph grid lines, using plotted paper and data logging Pupils love patient journey stories The outcomes for N4 and N5 Biology are different and it can be hard to have a mixed class Animation and the process of zooming in and zooming out of cells, organs and tissue is good to help student understand what cells are and how they are part of the body

The process Proposal Proposals should be provided as either MS Word documents or PDFs. They should be a maximum of 15 pages long. Please submit proposals to Barbara O’Callaghan, Producer, Bitesize at [email protected] and Derek Farrell, Senior Producer, Bitesize at [email protected] Please base your proposal on the following: A detailed treatment of how you would cover 

Cells and their uses for National 4 and for National 5

Additional overviews of how you would cover 

Hormonal systems

Proposals should give a clear idea of how your approach to the scripts, graphics and visuals will successfully cover this content for the Bitesize audience.

 Learning experience is not a prerequisite, but a thorough understanding of the needs of the Bitesize audience and a clear approach to addressing those needs is expected. 13

Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief  Companies should have experience delivering engaging video and/or animated content, ideally for or able to be appreciated by a teenage audience and including short-form content. All content must be passed through an Education Consultant (from initial concepts to fine cut), and this must occur before the BBC sees the content as all deliverables must be teacher-accepted. When we sign off all the scripts, we are aware that things might change in filming/animating, if things don’t flow as they should in practice. We are happy to be flexible about this, so long as all changes are passed through the Education Consultant, and are changed in the transcripts etc. so the post-production paperwork is up to date.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Resourcing Please define your project team within your response – including an indication of core staff members and freelance support. Please outline any talent, including writer, director and subject matter experts/consultants.

Budget The budget for this content is £100,000. Please provide a budget breakdown to show how you intend to cost the project. Payment schedule to be agreed upon award of contract. Typical payment might be:  40% on signature of contract  30% divided upon completion of defined production milestones  30% upon final delivery

Proposal deliverable list       

Company overview. Project overview/storyline Indication of proposed visuals Resourcing. Technical / production / project management approach. Budget. Schedule.

Pitch Shortlisted companies will be invited to a face-to-face pitch at BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow on 25/10/16 - 27/10/2016.

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Bitesize National 4/5 – Biology Video/Animation Commissioning Brief

Key dates Deadline for submissions – for guideline only Brief published: 28/09/16 Deadline for proposal submissions: 10am, 13/10/16 Face-to-face pitch to BBC: 25/10/16 - 27/10/2016 Notification of Contract Award: 28/10/16 Final delivery: 03/03/17 These dates are indicative and they may be amended during the process to allow for sufficient time to undertake each phase of the exercise.

Selection The BBC will use the following standard criteria to evaluate the pitches submitted:  quality of the idea proposed – originality / suitability for Bitesize audience  ability to meet editorial requirements  core staff experience  project management / production plan  pricing / value for money  presentation of response  prior experience of company Any queries on this commission should be emailed to Derek Farrell ([email protected]) and Barbara O’Callaghan ([email protected]).

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