Media Studies - Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo

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KS4: GCSE Media Studies

Vision Statement

Media has become intrinsically linked with our everyday lives and it is difficult to imagine a world where we could live without phones, television or the internet. Consider a world where Facebook could not be checked or being unable to view the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Media Studies is an exciting subject where pupils can begin to understand their favourite media texts, why they have been created and the impact these have on audiences. The subject will provide pupils with the ability to question texts and the choices made by producers to critically analyse the impact of these. Pupils will have the opportunity to study a range of texts for varied mediums and analyse the technical and symbolic ideologies conveyed through these. The course develops both written and verbal skills and there is plenty of room for discussion and lively debate around the media texts accessed. Through teaching and learning and the coursework and examination components pupils are encouraged to be autonomous, fully preparing them for their futures, wherever that may lead them.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Component 1 - Exploring the Media 40%

80 Marks

Pupils will study a breadth of media industries, including Radio, Film, Advertising, Magazines and video games. Across the course of study they will apply parts of the theoretical framework; Media Language, Representation, Industry, audience and context to specific media texts from these industries.

Component 2 - Understanding Media forms and products 30%

60 Marks

For this component pupils will complete an in depth study into Television and Music. They will apply all of the theoretical framework to each of these industries and the chosen texts in them.

Component 3 - 30%

Creating Media Products. 30% – 50 marks

Pupils will be required to make their own Media product that follows a brief set by the awarding body. This will require them to make products for specific target audiences. Pupils will choose from one of the following Mediums: Television, Advertising and Marketing: Music, Advertising and Marketing: Film, Magazines. The course is structured into three components with two written examinations and one coursework element. The course involves the study of a range of media texts and the representations, genres and narratives within these. As well as this, pupils will have the opportunity to explore audiences and how the texts are constructed to appeal to these. The pupils will have the opportunity to question who created the text and why it was constructed in that way. At the end of the course the pupils will have a wider understanding of media texts, producers and audiences. Pupils will consider all aspects of media texts, from popular and well known media to areas they may have not encountered. This is developed through analysis, written work and practical tasks.