Media Studies
Aims of the subject:
To develop and understanding of Media Products, Representations and Industries
Today, we’re surrounded by the media wherever we look, There’s the internet, TV, film, radio, magazines, papers……The list goes on.
Not only is Media Studies interesting and relevant, it gives you valuable skills to help you understand the world around you. You can apply many of these skills to your English GCSE too-students often do better in English when they take Media Studies as well.
“In the modern world, media literacy will become as important a skill as Maths or Science” Tessa Jowell, former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Hoping for a career in the exciting, innovative and competitive media and entertainment industries? GCSE Media Studies will give you a great head start!
Media Studies lets you create your own projects, like CD Sleeves, Magazines, Websites, Music Videos. Film Trailers, Film Posters and much more!
Not only this, you’ll learn all about the Media world around you and how it works.
The course involves looking at how the media aims its products specifically at you and others. You’ll also get to grips with Media theory and why the media shows you certain things certain ways, as well as an in depth look at how Media texts such as films are put together.
You’ll begin to become more aware of the world around you, and might even find yourself looking at an exciting career in the Media!
Course content
This course involves students in the study of the influential role of the media in modern society. Students explore the areas of advertising, television, film, radio, popular music, newspapers and magazines.
Assignments involve research and production work, as well as written work, and students are encouraged to develop a critical and investigative approach to the media. They are also encouraged to develop technical skills in using desktop publishing facilities, and exploring the Internet, as well as using digital cameras or video and editing equipment.
This course offers students opportunities to respond to contemporary media texts and issues in a way which is challenging, and relevant to their everyday lives. It offers greater understanding of the influence of the modern media, whilst also introducing some of the latest technological developments. Lessons are taught in the Media Centre, or nearby computer suites, with Internet access.
Successful students may progress onto the popular AS/A2 level Media and Film courses. Many of our students go on to university to take Media Studies to Degree level and several are now employed in the various media industries, including SKY TV, BBC, Granada and the advertising and newspaper industries.
GCSE Examination Board: EDUQAS
Assessment Overview:
Controlled Assessment (30%)
At the end of the course, students are required to submit a completed file of controlled assessment for formal assessment. This must include written explorations of real media products, as well as production work from the pupils themselves. Such examples could be the production of a magazine cover, accompanying contents page and double page spread article. Another example could be the exploration of and production of music artist album covers/insert booklets, or even storyboarding sequences for a television programme.
Written Paper (70%)
- Exam Paper 1 is worth 40% of the GCSE, and is a 1 1/2 hour long exam. Section A involves exploring media language and representations within the media, whilst Section B focuses on the processes that take place in the media industries, and the effects on audiences.
- Exam Paper 2 is worth 30% of the GCSE, also 1 1/2 hours in length. The whole exam focuses on showing an understanding of media forms and products, with Section A being on Television and Section B testing pupils’ knowledge of Music (music videos and online media).
| Year | What will I learn? | Assessment |
| 10 | In Year 10, pupils will focus on initially developing their based knowledge of media studies, focusing on different key aspects that underpin the media. These involve media language, representation, media industries and audiences.
Pupils also engage with the content for the Component 1 examination, which includes Newspapers (The Sun/Guardian), Film (Spectre), Video Games (Pokemon Go), Magazines (GQ, Pride) Advertising and marketing (This Girl Can, Quality Street, Spectre, The Man with the Golden Gun), Radio (The Archers). |
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| 11 | Once pupils enter Y11, they mainly begin preparing for the Component 2 examination. This involves the study of Television (Crime drama including The Sweeney and Luther) and the Music Industry, including looking at historical music videos from the likes of Duran Duran, to contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift/Katy Perry and Bruno Mars/Pharrell. We also consider the use of social media and online presence). The final term is spent honing examination technique and performance. |
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Extra-curricular opportunities
- Trips to
- BBC Media City
- Manchester IMAX
- National Media Museum (Bradford)
- Opportunity to produce a portfolio for future use
- Opportunities for University taster days.
How you can support your child’s progress
You can support your child’s progress by doing the following
- Buy the following text books that closely follows the course and encourage them to read up on the subjects that they are studying/use this knowledge to support their learning.
- WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Media Studies (Hayley Sheard 2018, ISBN 1911208489)
- WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Media Studies Revision Guide (Hayley Sheard 2019 ISBN 1911208896)
- Encourage close revision and memorising of the following set text fact sheets that can be found at this address https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceSingle.aspx?rIid=950
- Encourage them to keep their file organised and take responsibility for consuming all different types of media that they may not normally consider, including the study of advertisements, radio, film, music videos/artist websites, magazines, newspapers, computer games and television programmes.
