Our Curriculum Subject Information Media Studies

Media Studies

Faculty: Creative and Technical

Subject: Media Studies

Staff and Responsibility: Miss L Jordan – Head of Media Studies and Miss Z Campbell Teacher of English and Media

Exam Board: OCR

Subject Overview

Media studies involves investigating the Nine media forms; TV, Film, Music Videos, Newspapers, Magazines, Advertising, Online Media, Radio and Video Games. Over the course of two years, you will learn how to apply the theoretical framework of media (language, representation, audience, institution & context) to a range of seen and unseen products. You will learn to become a critical thinker by deconstructing these products and analysing the messages that are communicated. As well as this, you will also learn the practical skills necessary for becoming an active media producer.

Course Content

Coursework (30%)

Individual Media Production
Students will complete one individual media production in response to a brief set by OCR. We have a well-equipped department that enables our students to work on a variety of creative projects and we use the Adobe Suite to teach you skills needed.

Examination Details (70%)

TV & Promoting the Media (35% of overall GCSE)
Section A – Television: Vigil and The Avengers Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering contemporary and historic television products, responding to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework and a range of media contexts.
Section B – Promoting Media: Lego Movie and Game Learners will study media products from the same global conglomerate producer illustrating the media forms of film, advertising and marketing, and video games.

Music & News (35% of overall GCSE)
Section A – Music: Mojo Magazine, Radio 1 Live Lounge and Two music videos: Arlo Parks ‘Hope’ and Harry Styles ‘Adore You’ Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering magazines. Learners will also engage with music videos and radio. Learners will respond to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework.
Section B – The News: The Observer Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering online, social and participatory media. Learners will also engage with newspapers. Learners will respond to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework and a range of media contexts.

Extended Learning

Extended learning will be set on a regular basis, a range of challenge tasks based on independent research and analysis, wider reading and listening work supplied weekly.