Media Studies

We support pupils to investigate a range of media forms including print media, moving images and websites, in order for them to have a rounded knowledge base for how the industry creates meaning and impact for their target audiences.

Through these, we encourage pupils to be independent and reflective learners, capable of forming evidence based analytical responses to a range of media contexts. Overall, we want to inspire pupils to become creative and critical thinkers who are eager to explore, question and communicate their views, ideas and learning.

Curriculum

Component 1 – written examination 1 hour and 30 minutes, 40% of the total qualification.

Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation

Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences

Component 2 – written examination 1 hour and 30 minutes, 30% of the total qualification.

Section A: Television – Crime Drama

Section B: Music – Music Videos and Websites

Component 3 – NEA (non-examination assessment), 30% of the total qualification.

An individual media production for an intended audience in response to a choice of briefs set by the exam board, applying knowledge and understanding of media language and representation.

Year 10 – Explore media language and representation in relation to the set products published by the examination board, covering a range of print media forms, including: print advertisements, magazine and newspaper front cover, marketing (film posters).  Analyse how media products are presented to appeal to their target audience and learn how media industries work looking at pre-production to industry regulations. Focused study for media industries will cover the following areas of media – films, newspapers, radio, video games. Begin to use knowledge and skills acquired to research and develop their own media product in response to the NEA brief from the examination board.

Year 11 – Explore and analyse media language and representation in visual texts, focus on TV Crime drama, music videos and websites, investigating how visual conventions convey meaning to the target audience. Focused study for media industries in this year will cover the following areas: TV Crime drama, music videos and websites.

Cultural Experiences

Media Studies encourages students to think critically and use the knowledge and skills learnt over the GCSE course to help them interpret the world around them through various media modes. They are inspired to use their imagination and creativity to enable them to design their own media product and reflect on the impact of media over time.

Students have also had the opportunity to experience Summer School placements in advertising agencies where they have gained real world experience in responding to a professional advertising brief.

Additionally, revision sessions at lunch time and after school are available on request to give support with learning and understanding.

Expert Assessments

Year 10 – Autumn:

• Media Language in one of the set print media texts.
• Media Language and Representation comparison question focus on one print media set product and one unseen product.

Spring:

• Media Industries focus on one of the following: newspapers, film, video games or radio.
• Media audiences focus on one of the following: newspapers, video games or radio.

Summer:

• End of year examination full Component 1 paper on Media Language/ Representation and Media Industries and Audiences

Ongoing assessment for NEA Component 3 – student work, creating a product responding to media brief.

Year 11 – Autumn:

• Mock examination full Component 1 paper on Media Language/ Representation and Media Industries and Audiences – focusing on different set products to Year 10 end of year examination.

Spring:

• Media Language, Representation or Audiences focus on Crime Drama Luther.
• Mock examination focus on Component 2 paper Understanding Media Forms and Products – focus on Crime Drama, Music Videos and Websites.

Ongoing assessment for NEA Component 3 – student work, creating a product responding to media brief.