Media Studies is an increasingly contemporary subject in a digital age. We now live in a world where media places an important part in our personal and working lives. We offer students a practical and vocational alternative to purely theory base subjects, focusing on communication and technical skills.

We also teach students how to apply critical thinking skills to a rich variety of media. They will develop an understanding of the media industry through analysing media. For example in film, television, video gaming and web design. In addition, students will develop practical skills related to being a creative media practitioner, planning and reviewing their own imaginative productions. Students are taught how to showcase their coursework via an online portfolio.

In Key Stage 4 students follow the Pearson Creative Digital Media Tech Award (The Equivalent of a GCSE.) Students analyse and investigate media products from the audio/moving image, publishing and interactive sectors. Students are encouraged to use their own examples, from their media consumption and pursue their own interests in their practical work. Of the three components, two are internally assessed and one is exam based.

In Key Stage 5 students follow the Pearson Creative Digital Media Extended Certificate, which is the equivalent of an A Level. The course consists of four units, two of which are exam based. Students will analyse and explore theories of media representation, planning and making a short film. They also look at how media producers respond to a commission. Students can also move on to The Pearson Creative Digital Foundation Diploma, which is the equivalent of One and a half A-Levels. Here students will complete another two units which are internally assessed.

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