Media Studies is both a highly analytical and creative subject as students spend time exploring and constructing media products across a diverse range of platforms. Through both practical and theoretical study, pupils will gain an acute appreciation for the way in which the media industry works to shape our perceptions of the world around us.
Our Curriculum is designed to foster enquiring minds as we deconstruct media texts in forensic detail to understand precisely how meaning is created and audiences are influenced.
Honing media literacy is ever more vital in a society where young people are increasingly influenced by mass media as convergent technology seeps increasingly into their day-to-day lives. We want our students to critique traditional representations in mass media and ask questions as to the motivations behind a creative industry that is increasingly motivated by profit and power.
As a department, we have access to computer facilities and recording equipment which enable pupils to develop knowledge and experience of a range relevant technologies and software packages.
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At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the Eduqas Media Studies GCSE specification. The WJEC Eduqas course introduces pupils to a theoretical framework, composing of five key areas, via which the media is to be interpreted – Media Language, Representation, Media Industries, Media Audiences and Media Contexts. This is taught in relation to varied examples, contemporary and historic, deriving from a wide range of media forms: advertising and marketing, film, magazines, music video, newspapers, online media, radio, television and video games.
Pupils are assessed by the following:
Component 1 Exploring the Media
Component 2 Understanding Media Forms and Products
Component 3 Creating Media Products
A range of briefs in four media forms will be set annually.
Set texts for GCSE Media Specification:
Component 1
Component 2
Exam Board: Eduqas
Media surrounds us: to make sense of the world today is to be proficient in deciphering the symbolism and coding of what we read, watch, listen to and interact with. To study media is to understand and develop communication skills and techniques in a range of media forms: print, audio-visual and interactive. To function effectively in the 21st century is to have a developed, informed, critical and creative sense of the way media can be used to shape perceptions, attitudes and behaviour.
Students will hone communication skills for a range of audiences through a variety of media forms – film, TV, advertising, radio and the internet. Research techniques and creative production skills, combined with working in groups and as individuals, will develop transferable skills for the future.
The A-level linear topics will enable pupils to apply knowledge and understanding deriving from the course’s theoretical framework and then use practical skills that relate to a media format of their choice for their Non-Exam Assessment (30%). As well as this, pupils will further their understanding of the Media by applying theoretical knowledge to two exams, both of which are worth 35% of the overall qualification. Questions across both papers will cover the 5 key areas of the theoretical framework: Media Language, Representation, Media Industries, Media Audiences, Media Contexts.
Media studies, Media and Communication Studies, Journalism and Broadcasting.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Media Studies or an equivalent qualification, ie, ICT, Business, English Language.
The subject provides a range of employability skills that help pupils to be successful in later life such as: skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis. They will also acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of significant social, cultural and political issues ongoing in the modern world. Through their component 3 (creation of their own product), pupils will learn the important skills of time management and personal organisation.
Media Studies at GCSE opens up extensive range of career directions. Many pupils can go onto directly relatable jobs such as: digital marketing, journalism, public relations and production, or they go onto Apprenticeship and University courses which can relate to jobs in: advertising/ marketing, journalism and broadcasting.
For further information, please contact Sarah Moreton-Wright.