Media Studies


Media Studies Department

Why Study Media?

There are many advantages to studying Media Studies. Firstly, to understand media is to understand the world in which we live and the visual image is becoming just as important as the printed world. In addition to this, having the ability to design, construct and edit media products is a modern, practical skill making Media Studies more employable. Furthermore, media is an expanding industry, helping students on the road to a career in the media. Moreover, GCSE Media Studies will develop: groups work, critical thinking, analytical skills and creativity.

The mass media is very powerful and we spend a large proportion of our time exposed to the media. Studying media will help student to examine the impact the media has on our lives and we must never forget that the media studies us. Therefore, to be media literate is an integral part of being an educated citizen.

Course Details: Media at GCSE

All students follow an AQA GCSE course in Media Studies. It is one tier for all candidates. The course offers students the opportunity to gain grades: A* - G. At the present moment, those students who are studying for the single award receive three 50 minute lessons per week. This may increase to five 50 minute lessons per week, if students are selected to study for the double award.

Assessment:

Media Studies is assessed through coursework assignments and a terminal examination at the end of the course:

Unit 1 – Introduction to media – marked out of 15 points.
Unit 2 – Cross-media Study – marked out of 30 points.
Unit 3 – Practical Production - marked out of 45 points.

The coursework require students to complete all three assignments and this constitutes 60% of the overall mark. The terminal examination is a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper; this constitutes 40% of the overall mark. AQA inform the centre of the examination topic two years in advance of the examination.

Assignment 3 is the ‘practical production’ assignment; this is the only assignment that can be produced individually or by working in collaboration with other students.

In addition to the above three a unit, a double award media study requires a fourth unit:

Unit 4 – Respond to a Media Brief.

This involves producing a campaign across two forms of media in response to an industry related brief. This is worth 30% of the Double Award GCSE.

Topics covered by students will include: magazines, the film industry, television analysis and the music industry. They will also be given the opportunity to us: Chroma Key/Green Screen equipment, the school radio station, video cameras and editing equipment. Although we will endeavour to provide regular access to ICT within school, home access is a crucial aspect of this course as students will be required to research, develop and improve the quality of their coursework folder, at home.

Progress Route:

Students who study media studies will have the opportunity to develop personal qualities of self-belief, enthusiasm and collaboration skills. A good grade in Media Studies is relevant, but not essential, for students considering a career pathway into media: journalism, broadcasting, television, radio, the film industry. There are also many opportunities for students to continue their media studies in further education.

Success:

Media achieved excellent GCSE examination results in 2009 – 100% A-C grades.

The 2009 Media Studies examination was taken as an extra curricular subject.

Pupil Comments:

“I enjoy studying Media Studies; it’s a different type of learning. It’s an interesting subject and develops new skills and can open up alternative career pathways.”

“It has provided an insight into alternative career prospects.”

“I really enjoy Media Studies.”

And finally…

If you enjoy being creative and have a genuine interest in media and media issues, then GCSE media studies is waiting for you!

Stephen Hindhaugh
Director of Media

Top »