Media Studies
Head of Department – Miss N. Moore
Media Studies offers a wide-ranging experience of the digital world in which we are all immersed. We investigate and question how producers target our interests in industries including television, journalism, music, gaming and film. A thoroughly modern subject, Media encourages students to engage with contemporary examples.
The subject is supported with the department’s own filming and editing equipment and all students are encouraged to work collaboratively as well as develop their own independent practical skills in film, photography and digital editing.
GCSE – OCR
Students will complete two final exams at the end of Year 11 worth 70% of the GCSE grade. After an induction course in the Autumn Half Term to introduce students to key media concepts through wide-ranging case studies supported with practical workshops, the main course content begins from October.
Year 10
Television Crime Drama
Film Marketing
Year 11
News Journalism
Music Industry
Additionally, there will be a practical production (Non-examined Assessment) worth 30%. This is an individual project that could include creating a magazine portfolio using original photography or a filmed opening to a television programme or music video. This brief changes each year and details will be released in March of Year 10.
A-Level – OCR
Students do not need to have previously studied the subject at GCSE to opt for A-Level Media.
A questioning interest in who makes the media we see and engage with everyday, how they make it and for whom are the first steps in considering to opt for A-Level Media Studies. An academic approach to a wide range of case studies across 9 media platforms is balanced through regular practical workshops and multimedia investigations. These could include creating podcasts and video commentaries as an alternative to the class essays experienced in other subjects.
There are two exams taken at the end of Year 13 worth 70%.
Paper 1
News Journalism (Print and Online)
Print Advertising Campaigns
Magazine Industry
Music Videos
Paper 2
Television Drama (English language and non-English language case studies)
Radio Industry
Film Industry
Gaming Industry
Additionally, 30% of the course is obtained through a practical Non Examined Assessment (NEA). An individual project that is introduced after Easter in Year 12. The brief changes each year and involves the creation of filmed and online content fully supported with the department’s equipment and editing facilities.
Extra Curricular Activities
Students in Years 7,8 and 9 can become involved in a range of clubs such as Film Club and the in-school Radio podcast that is broadcast weekly in the Retreat at lunchtime.
Previous clubs have included a student magazine and online newspaper.
