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Media Studies

This course is only available as a GCSE in years 10 and 11, and an AS/A2 in years 12 and 13

In this subject we look at how media texts are created and the relationship between audiences and producers in a practical and theoretical way. Our results at GCSE and A Level are often well above the national average for this subject and we have an enviable reputation for assisting students into prestigious universities and the creative industries.

We offer the new OCR course at GCSE with 60% practical class based work and 40% exam. It makes a good choice for practical independent students who prefer the rigours of school assessment to exams and are able to look at popular texts in a serious way.

We also offer the WJEC AS and A Level Media Studies courses where students are made aware of the methods and processes by which messages are constructed in mass media enterprises.

Modules studied include film, advertising and news production; 60% of the course is practical. At AS level students will produce their own media artefact. We have film and print based editing facilities and students have in past years created film trailers, print advertisements and television title sequences. At A2 level they will produce a research essay accompanied by a pertinent practical piece.

Course Content

Aims: The attainment of media literacy through the development of a high level of critical autonomy. The development of critical reading and communication competences in relation to the mass media. The understanding and application of key concepts.
At AS Level this will be assessed in two modules.

Module 1:

An exam designed to evaluate how well students understand the Media through representation. The course looks at a range of people and places across the media to understand how and why messages are produced and received. This is underpinned by theory and practical applications.

Module 2:

Students will produce three interlinked media artefacts. This must come through carefully considered research. For instance the storyboard for a new TV Soap, the first three minutes and a detailed evaluation of the product.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

  • MS1/MS2/MS3/MS4: Through teacher led discussion, course books, guided reading, exposure to a variety of media texts, and writing, students learn how to apply theory and concepts to contemporary texts and issues. These modules are assessed through examination.
  • MS3. Students are taught the basics of pre production, production and post production, and are guided through the written support material. This is assessed through coursework.
  • MS4 Students are guided in choice of topic and methods of research and matters of structure in full class and one to one sessions. The process of individual learning is supervised throughout. This module is assessed through internal assessment.

    • Expectations of Students

  • To attend and contribute fully to all lessons
  • To complete all homework by the deadlines set
  • To develop independent research and reading habits as advised by tutors
  • An educational media conference to Euro Disney Paris

    • Careers Implications

    Any area within the media sector: advertising, marketing, journalism, radio/TV/film production etc. Recent past students are or have been employed by among others: Objective Productions (Derren Brown, Peep Show, the Real Hustle), Bwark Productions (the Inbetweeners), NBC Sports and London Fashion Week.

    Any career, which demands a depth of critical and analytical skills together with media understanding: communications, PR, personnel, web design and many more.