Media Studies

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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, analysis 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 BTEC Tech Award in Creative Digital Media Production (The Equivalent of a GCSE.) Students analyse and investigate media products from the audio/moving image, print 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. For students currently in Year 9, please note that from 2024-25 we will no longer be offering BTEC Media; please refer to the Year 9 Options Booklet for further information about our new GCSE Media Studies course.

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. Students are also assessed on how they respond to a given commission.

MAIN TOPICS COVERED

 YEAR 10     

Creating an online portfolio where we analyse:

  • Audio and moving image - film and series trailers and adverts
  • Print - adverts, film posters and magazine front covers
  • Interactive media - websites and video gaming

YEAR 11

  • Creating print products, for example posters and magazine pages
  • Pre-production skills: creating mood boards and planning
  • Production techniques: photoshoots, manipulating images
  • Post-production techniques and reviewing work

YEAR 12

  • Representation in the media
  • Pre-production planning
  • Creating a short sequence of a film

YEAR 13

  • Responding to a commission
  • Creating a short sequence of a film
  • Reviewing individual and group work

Examination Board and Specifications

BTEC Creative Digital Media Production (equivalent to one GCSE)

  • Level 1 or 2 BTEC in Creative Media Production - Pearson BTEC, Tech Award (course code RCM3)

BTEC Creative Digital Media Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A Level)

  • Level 3 BTEC in Creative Media Production - Pearson BTEC, National Extended Certificate (course code XGD40)

 

From 2024-25, students in Year 10 who have selected this option will study GCSE Media Studies rather than the above BTEC.

GCSE

  • Media Studies: Eduqas (course code C680QS, search 'GCSE Media Studies')
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