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KS5: A Level Media Studies

Vision Statement

The media has so much influence on our everyday lives, from local to national news, advertising and television to our use of mobile phones and apps – the media is everywhere. Media Studies is an exciting subject that enables pupils to consider audiences, purpose and the influence the media has on society. Within Media Studies we encourage all pupils to review a variety of media texts in order to expand their knowledge of society and why texts are constructed in certain ways, developing critical analysis which is a fantastic transferable skill. Pupils will complete increase their ability to work as independent learners, accessing challenging tasks both in and out of the lesson settings. Media Studies stimulates debate, analysis and discussion on a range of media texts that the pupils may not have experienced before and will test both their creative and evaluative thinking.

Media Studies is a fantastic course, with transferable skills developed in abundance and compliments a range of subjects that will support future academic and employment pathways.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Component 1: Meanings and representations in the media - 30% (80 marks)

Written examination

This component covers all of the following media forms: music videos, video games, advertising, film marketing, newspapers and radio news/current affairs programmes. Pupils will answer an extended answer question for each of the following sections:

  • Section A: Media Language and Meanings
  • Section B: Representations and Meanings
  • Section C: Contextual Study – Representations.

Written examination

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, industry and audiences. The examination consists of three sections:

  • Section A: Television in the Global Age
  • Section B: Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
  • Section C: Media in the Online Age

Non examination assessment

An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC. These include: Television, Advertising and Marketing: Music or Film and Magazines. The course is structured into three components with two examinations and one coursework task. The course involves the study of a range of media texts and the representations of people, places and events within these.

Skills for Success:

  • Cross-Curricular links with other subjects such as History or English.
  • Essay writing skills.
  • Analytical skills to approach any text and consider why it has been constructed in that way, for who and by whom?
  • Creative skills in order to complete the practical coursework

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • University
  • Publishing
  • Media/film production
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Teaching
  • Copy / scriptwriter
  • Editor / sound editor

Departmental Performance:

2022/23: A*-C = 56%

2021/22: A*-C = 54%

2020/21: A*-C = 77%

2019/20: A*-C = 82%

2018/19: A*-C = 100%

KS5: A Level Film Studies

Vision Statement

From viewer to director to critic, if you have a passion for film and a critical eye to cast, then you will certainly enjoy and excel in Film Studies. It is our aim to introduce pupils to a diverse range of films, allowing them to develop their filmic knowledge and cultural understanding. Pupils are encouraged to be open-minded about the films they watch and to appreciate different genres, directors and techniques, which will form the basis for a variety of tasks as well as regular independent research and study to develop a level of autonomy that will be required for future study and careers. Lively discussion and debate, where pupils have the opportunity to discuss new releases alongside classical film-making, along with independent research and writing tasks allows pupils to hone their skills in a number of different ways. Pupils will study a range of culturally significant films as well as considering what makes blockbuster films popular.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Component 1: American and British film - 35% (120 marks)
Written exam

Pupils must study one film from the classical Hollywood period (1940s and 1950s), two Hollywood films produced since the 1960s, one contemporary American independent film (produced after 2010), two British films, one produced between 1930 and 1960 and the other more recent.

Written exam

Pupils must study two films representing different film movements, including at least one silent film option, one documentary film, two international, non-English language films, one European and one from outside Europe, one compilation of short films.

Non-exam assessment

Pupils produce either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay and an evaluative analysis. The production brief will offer four options, of which one must be chosen. With two options based on narrative elements and two options based on character-led elements of the short film.

Skills for Success:

  • Pupils will need to demonstrate a love of film and a keen interest in their place in society
  • A wider filmic knowledge; pupils will be encouraged to view a range of
    films both within lessons and at home
  • Pupils will develop their essay writing skills to complete a written examination

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Media and Film Production
  • Journalism
  • Teaching
  • Media Sales and Communications
  • Producer
  • Scriptwriter
  • Editor
  • Cinematographer

Departmental Performance:

2022/23: A*-C = 85%

2021/22: A*-C = 83%

2020/21: A*- C = 80%

2019/20: A*-C = 82%

2018/19: A*-C = 100%