Media Studies

What will lessons be like?

A wide variety of lessons will be offered. Basic terms and skills must be learnt but then there will be opportunities for practical work. Students will be responsible for much of their own learning, as personal research is essential in the production of the coursework. Students will be working on a wide range of Media: Magazines, Newspapers, Film, TV, Photography, Radio, Advertising and Popular Music are all possible areas of study.

Where can it lead?

A useful GCSE for anyone considering further study of, or a career in, Media, Education or the Arts, Marketing, Public Relations etc. Students leaving college/University with media degrees were the fifth most successful at getting employment in a survey carried out in 2001.

Assessment:

Unit 1 Investigating the Media

1 ½ hour examination worth 40% of the marks

Every year the exam topic will change. In the past it has looked at subjects such as documentaries, comedy films, comics, local radio and newspapers. Students will develop a case study in preparation for the exam. The brief will be releasedfour weeks before the examination.

Unit 2 Understanding the Media

Coursework worth 60% of the marks

Students will produce two pieces of coursework which include analysis of texts and original practical work.

- One introductory assignment
- One comparative assignment across media platforms

They will also produce a Practical production and evaluation The course will cover a range of media including moving image, advertising and marketing, print and web based media.