Media Studies is part of the English department, not ICT, and this gives an indication of the course content. We focus on analysing media products across several platforms, such as TV, Newspapers, Advertising, Film and Online content.
We also make our own media products such as film posters and short film clips. An interest in today’s world is essential.
Key Stage 4
We study the Eduqas specification which consists of: Unit 1 Exploring the Media (30%) – written examination; Unit 2 Understanding Film & television (30%) – written examination; Unit 3 – Creating Media – (40%) – coursework component. We study many current products such as pop videos and newspapers as well as ‘set texts’ from the exam board. Analysis skills are useful.
Key Stage 5
We study the Eduqas 2 year A-level specification. Component 1 Media Products, Industries and Audiences (35%) – written exam; Component 2 Media Forms & Products in depth (35%) – written exam; Component 3 cross-media production coursework (30%). It is not essential to have studied GCSE media but it does help. Essay skills are essential.
Staff
- Mr M Shearer (Head of Department)
- Mr J Nulty
Intent & implementation
In media studies our intent is for the curriculum to ensure that students are engaged in today’s media through a process of analysis and production designed to allow students to critically engage with the modern world. This is done through a framework which rests upon first understanding the context of media products and then looking at media language, representation, audience and industry. The department is part of the English department and initially uses similar skills of analysis but branches off into specific media products such as television, newspapers, online, advertising and music videos.
Through a series of media products and the ability to create their own, students will be provided with engaging lessons which use contemporary content to exemplify keys concepts in the media. As well as learning to write discursive answers, students will develop the ability to enjoy media products at a deeper level as well as understand the deeper meanings conveyed through today’s media. Assessment is of both analysis and production allowing for free creative expression.
Developing Cultural Capital
Media Studies engenders cultural capital through using our cultural products as core texts within the course. By studying the news and its presentation, through advertising to film; computer gaming to online culture, we analyse how the media represents our cultures with a critical approach that develops cultural capital but also makes students aware of the varying ideologies that influence us. We encourage students to look at products contextually to see how society develops through the media and to acknowledge these changes with a critical eye.
Extracurricular opportunities
We encourage the use of our iMac for film editing as well as our audio editing software, students just need to speak to Mr Shearer.
We also, in collaboration with the English department, arrange as many school trips as we can, theatre, museums, exhibitions etc.
Careers Education
Careers education is part of the course through looking at media industries. An essential part of the theoretical framework of the course is acknowledging how media products are financed and jobs created within the industry. We cover elements of the British film & television industry and highlight the various career paths a media studies student may take from news and current affairs to the gaming industry.
