Media Studies
Overview
Media Studies provides students with the opportunity to have a challenging, interesting and creative subject to study. We aim to inspire a love of all aspects of media, from the study of moving-image to advertising and marketing. Through the study of media, students will develop independence, critical thinking and decision-making skills through consideration of issues that are important, real and relevant to them and the world in which they live; to ensure they succeed within it.
The department works closely with the English Department to organise trips and visits to enrich students’ learning. Students in the department run the academy’s film club and take part in the academy’s newspaper to develop their independence and leadership skills.
Key Stage 4
Media Studies at Key Stage 4 offers students an engaging and varied course, which develops their analysis and evaluation skills through the study of different media platforms. Students begin their GCSE studies in year 9, and use their first year to become familiar with the key concepts, codes and conventions that underpin the subject. Students work towards one GCSE. The GCSE course comprises of 70% external examination and 30% non-exam assessment (NEA).
In controlled assessments students will produce one introductory assignment, one assignment that requires candidates to look closely at cross-media platforms, which more closely reflects the media industry today, and one Practical Production and Evaluation, each chosen from a different bank of assignments. The topics available for study are: radio, moving image (film and TV), advertising and marketing, print (newspaper, magazine), web-based media, promotion of music and gaming.
For their NEA, students will produce one assignment from a choice of five briefs. This will include a statement of intent and a media product for an intended audience. The topics available for study will vary each year, but may include: radio, moving image (film and TV), advertising and marketing, print (newspaper, magazine), web-based media, promotion of music and gaming.
How are students assessed at Key Stage 4?
Controlled Assessments: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4810-W-SP-14.PDF
Exams: Please click on the ‘Past Papers and Mark Schemes’ on the left of each page https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/media-studies/gcse/media-studies-8572/assessment-resources
Key Stage 5
A Level Media Studies
A Level Film Studies
Relevant links
Post 16
Mathematics is an optional subject at key stage 5. There are five lessons per week in year 12 and four lessons per week in year 13 for the A levels and three lessons a week for the Level 3 Certificate. Homework tasks are set per topic.
The qualifications we offer at post-16 are as follows:
- Level 3 Certificate Core Maths
- A Level Mathematics
- A Level Further Maths
