Media Studies

Media Studies is an engaging and developing subject which tackles and explores an ever evolving subject matter. Within our courses we offer a unique insight into the wider media landscape, with Key Stage 4 and 5 content delving into a diverse range of platforms and subject areas.

Students will gain an immersive experience, through a mixture of theoretical and practical exploration. As a department we look to continually refresh and update lessons in order for students to be able to explore the contextual media landscape.

Key Stage 4

What is GCSE Media all about?

Media Studies is concerned with understanding the ways in which the media works and how this information and entertainment is communicated to its audience.  It also aims to help you learn to develop the skills to use the media effectively to communicate your own ideas.  How are media texts targeted at particular audiences and how do they respond?  To what extent does the media attempt to influence its audience – how?  And why?  Across the GCSE study we will look to unpick and answer some of these key questions.

What topics will I cover?

As a Media Studies student you will study a number of media texts from a range of different platforms.  The specification will allow learners to explore a variety of media platforms, including: Film, Advertising, News Media (Online and Print), Music video, Magazine, and radio production. Alongside these key areas of learning, students will have the chance to create a practical coursework product.

You will also be trained in the use of media technology; for example the use of digital devices and relevant software to create and manipulate images and the use of video cameras and professional editing software to create your own moving image productions.  Media Studies has dedicated classrooms in G block equipped with 23 PCs and the Adobe Creative Suite package of professional media software.

How am I assessed?

• Controlled Assessment/Creating Media: 30% of the final grade is gained through completion of Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework), a new brief is released each year. In the past this section of study has included the creation of; music videos, television products and magazine productions.
• Examination: 70% of the final grade is assessed in two examined units undertaken at the end of the course.
  Paper 1 – Television & Promoting Media
  Paper 2 – Music & News

Examination Board: OCR

Please speak with Mr O’Connor for further information.

Key Stage 5

What does the course involve?

You will study the core Media concepts and will be introduced to a variety of subject areas, Film, TV, news, advertising, newspapers, magazines, video games and the digital era. You will undertake a close study of texts from a recognisable genre that straddle three different media platforms, such as ‘TV Dramas’ and look at the changes over the last 50 years within the genre. This will also include examining global and foreign texts. You will also complete a practical production.

In addition, you will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates examining a wide variety of Media texts, such as film genres, TV, newspapers, internet and more. You will explore topics such as cultural and political representations across different media platforms.  You will also carry out research on how digital media has changed the role of the audience and how modern audiences are now producers themselves.  You will also start to explore the digital revolution and how this has impacted older media platforms.

Qualifications and Qualities Needed.

A firm interest in the Media (both theoretical and practical areas). You need to be creative, not just with using technology (as skills will be taught) but have ideas for practical productions and have a real passion for the subject. You need to be self-motivated and prepared to put in additional hours outside lessons on post-production. You need to be able to discuss ideas and contribute to class discussions. The topics vary from current affairs to popular culture. An open mind helps, and minimum grade 6 in English at GCSE is desirable.

Course Structure

Level: A-level

Specification: OCR (www.ocr.org.uk)

Length of course: 2 years

Examination/assessment details:

35%: Media Messages – examination- 2 hours

35%: Evolving Media – examination 2 hours

30%: Making Media (practical production)

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Maps*

MEDIA GCSE Curriculum Map – KS4

*There are some small adjustments to the curriculum sequence of Key Stage 4 classes to reflect the number of teachers per group and their respective specialisms

Key Stage 5 Curriculum Maps

MEDIA A Level Curriculum Map – KS5

Super Curriculum

To access the Super Curriculum for this subject please visit the Super Curriculum page HERE