Media Studies
The course covers all aspects of the media in the UK today. Media covered will include Moving Image, Print and Electronic Publishing, Web-based technologies and Radio.
The course encourages the development of critical understanding of the impact of mass media and its technologies on contemporary society. It also develops creative and practical skills through production work.
Students will cover 4 Key Concepts:
- Language (What is said/shown and how)
- Audience (Who the product is aimed at and why)
- Industries (Who created the product and what message are they trying to get across)
- Representation (How certain groups of people are presented in the Media and why they are shown that way).
Assessment
- Exam Paper 1 35% 1 hr 30 mins Focuses on Industries, audience and representation. Multiple choice, short answer and an extended response question.
- Exam Paper 2 (35%) 1 hr 30 mins. Analysing media products, focusing on language and contexts. Multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.
- Controlled Assessment: Creating a Media Product (30%) A choice of topics related to the over-arching theme chosen each year by the exam board. Students will produce a statement of intent and a media product for an intended audience. This project will be assessed by your teachers and moderated by the exam board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Media Studies?
Well, if you're at all interested in the world around you - politics, advertising, television, social media... you name it. Then this course is for you. We study the current Media landscape and examine how producers get their message across to their target audience.
Do you produce a piece of Coursework?
Yes. The name has changed and it's now called a Non Examined Assessment. In the NEA you will respond to a given brief from the Exam Board - producing an advert or a film trailer or something else (it is broad!) which caters to a particular target audience.
Will I get to use technology in lessons?
Yes. We have a full suite of PCs which are fully equipped with Photoshop and film editing software. We spend time in lessons ensuring that you are able to take full advantage of these pieces of software.