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Media Studies

Media Studies Department
Introduction

Media Studies is a GCSE that will prepare pupils for a potential career in many different areas, including advertising and design, web development, social media marketing and many more. It is built around the four key media concepts: representation, institution, media language, and audiences. In many ways, the skills developed on this course are more applicable to the world of work, in practical terms, than other GCSEs. These skills include: ICT based design; photoshop editing; management of digital workloads; and working to project deadlines. However, there is also a strong academic element which relies upon good essay writing skills.

 

Meet the department
  • Mr Steele – Teacher of Media Studies

 

GCSE Media Studies Exam Results

2023:

Grade 4 or above – 88%

Grade 5 or above – 72%

Grade 7 or above – 44%

GCSE Media Studies
Course Content

Pupils will examine three main media forms:

  • Audio-Visual Forms (TV, film, radio, advertising and marketing, video games and music videos)
  • Online Forms (social and participatory media, video games, music videos, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)
  • Print Forms (newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)
Assessment

Media Studies is assessed through a combination of 30% Non Exam Assessment (NEA) and 70% exam.

 

NEA

Pupils will be given an annual theme, and their NEA and exam will relate to this. For their NEA, pupils will engage with six Close Study Products (CSP), respond to a brief and produce practical work in at least one media form.

Over the two year course, pupils will be expected to be able to critically engage with a whole range of media texts such as posters, music CD’s, and TV adverts. Pupils present their work in more visual style, utilising mind maps and annotated media texts in the majority of instances. The practical NEA task will likely be in the style of the aspects of media they have studying, and should show off their understanding of the four key media concepts. Over two years, pupils may be asked to create:

  • A magazine advert
  • A movie poster
  • A storyboard for a music video
  • A script for a television interview with a music or film star
  • An imaginary vlogger personality with accompanying website
  • An extract from a magazine

 

Exam

Pupils will study for two exams worth 35% each, totalling 70% of their GCSE. Some of the exam will be based on the annual theme and CSP chosen by the exam board. Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes, and will take place in the Year 11 summer term. Exam questions will involve both essay style questions, and multiple choice questions. Again, the exam should demonstrate pupils’ understanding of the four main media studies concepts.

Exam style questions are marked according to exam board assessment materials.

Extra-curricular Activities

Pupils are also likely to have the opportunity to meet industry practitioners. In recent years we have been visited by filmmakers, film producers, and ITV news reporters, giving pupils a genuine insight into possible career paths they may choose to follow in the future.