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Media Studies

Curriculum Leader: Mr J Bulger - bulgerj@saintgeorgescofe.kent.sch.uk

Students study a range of media platforms, including TV sitcoms, advertisements, newspapers and magazines. In year 11, the remainder of the course is covered, including platforms such as radio, gaming and music videos, as well as completing the practical element of the course, which is a choice between producing an original magazine or film poster.

Whoever controls the media, controls the mind

jim morrison - American singer

View our Learning Journey for Media Studies here

Intent

The intent of GCSE media is to build students' understanding of key concepts of studying the media, such as subject terminology, analysis skills, and understanding of theory and contexts.

Initially, the focus is on building on and transferring, prior learning from subjects such as English, as most students will not have studied Media in great depth. 

Media Studies is an excellent way to build students' cultural capital due to the diverse range of platforms and texts they will study.

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Implementation

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The course structure is ordered to gradually build students’ knowledge and skills, developing these from one unit to the next. Students will work on academic and written communication, as the main means of assessment, through writing structures, modelling, and peer feedback.

We ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the Media Studies Curriculum and equal opportunities are given for all to be confident in approaching any problem within the world around them.

Impact

Students will have studied a diverse range of platforms and developed a wide range of skills for classroom practice and summative assessment.      

Transferable skills, cultural capital, and verbal and written expression will have been developed in a way to benefit students who will seek opportunities within creative industries, and enhance the opportunities for those who develop futures in other areas.

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Media Studies in Key Stage 3 (KS3)

 

Media studies are part of the options subject rotation and students gain an understanding of the basic concepts and terminology for media, as well as some practical Photoshop skills and mini-creative projects to display their learning for the term.

Media Studies in Key Stage 4 (KS4)

In year 10 students study a range of media platforms, including TV sitcoms, advertisements, newspapers and magazines. In year 11 the remainder of the course is covered, including platforms such as radio, gaming and music videos, as well as completing the practical element of the course, which is a choice between producing an original magazine or film poster.

Each exam will focus on ‘set products’ from each media platform which students will have analysed in class, determining their meaning and portrayal of different characters etc. Students will also learn about the business side of the media and how audiences are identified and targeted, through the study of the set products.

GCSE Assessments

Media GCSE is an academic course and is assessed mostly by examination, as well as 30% Practical coursework produced in class using Photoshop software. GCSE content is taught from year 10 onwards, meaning that media terminology, analysis and writing skills are initially taught in year 9.

Exam Board: Eduqas GCSE Media Studies

Media Studies Future Paths

Students can progress further to obtain an A Level in Media Studies.

Higher education degree courses in a range of creative subjects such as marketing, advertising, communications, PR, Film/TV studies and production, games design, website and social media management etc.

Career paths such as marketing and advertising, social media management, design, website building, YouTube, and professional production

You will develop critical analysis, evaluation and communication skills, business acumen and how to define demographics, which are transferrable to many career paths and futures.

Extra Resources

Revision Materials

Students on GCSE and A-Level Media are given access to the ‘eRevision’ website when they enrol on the course – this has a range of quizzes and interactive activities which are also used as homework.