Media Studies

Staff

Head of Department: Ms L Gray

Departmental Staff: Mrs L Maguire

 

Overview

Media Studies is the study of various forms of communication including: television, newspapers, online news, magazines, video games, films, websites, radio and so on. All texts must go through a process of mediation and the aim of the subject is to explore and analyse this using four key concepts: media language; audience; representation; and institution.

Excitingly, pupils also get the opportunity to create their own media texts. Results are based on both examination and internally assessed material.

Aims

To develop candidates' ability to:

  • Respond critically and analytically to a range of mass media texts

  • Foster a critical understanding of a range of media texts and the ways in which they are read and understood by different audiences

  • Develop a critical awareness of media representations of individuals, groups and issues

  • Develop an understanding of the relationship between media industries/ institutions/ technologies (including ICT)/ products and audiences

  • Encourage an awareness of the debates surrounding the role of the media, and its industries, in contemporary society.

  • Explore the role of online and social media

  • Enable candidates to explore and present their own ideas and experiences by developing practical production skills in one or more media.

Key Stage 4

Pupils follow the GCSE Media Studies (Eduquas Specification)

Component 1: Exploring the Media: Examination: 40%

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products: Examination: 30%

Component 3: Creating Media Products: Coursework: 30%

Key Stage 5

Pupils follow the A Level Media Studies (WJEC Specification)

AS

Unit 1: Investigating the Media: Examination: 24%

Section A: Selling Images- Advertising and Music Video

Section B: News in the Online Age

Section C: Film Industries- from Wales to Hollywood

Unit 2: Creating a Media Production: Coursework: 16%

A2

Unit 3: Media in the Global Age: Examination: 36%

Section A: Television in the Global Age

Section B: Magazines- Changing Representations

Section C: Media in the Digital Age- Video Games

 Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production: Coursework: 24%

Careers in the Media

  • Advertising account executive

  • Broadcast journalist

  • Editorial assistant

  • Event manager

  • Film director

  • Information officer

  • Magazine journalist

  • Market researcher

  • Media planner

  • Multimedia specialist

  • Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video

  • Public relations officer

  • Runner, broadcasting/film/video

  • Social media manager

  • Television/film/video producer

  • UX designer

  • Web content manager

  • Writer

Grosvenor Grammar School