Media Studies

Sixth Form: Media Studies

Subject Overview

Media Studies is offered at Key Stage 4 and at A level and provides students with the necessary skills to allow them to better understand and critically analyse the messages and ideas behind today's media saturated society. During the course, they will study media theories, concepts and debates and apply them to a range of texts. They also establish and strengthen their practical and creative skills working in print, moving image and e-media to create websites, magazines, music videos, trailers and more.

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES

UNIT 1: INVESTIGATING THE MEDIA (40% of total marks)

An externally set exam based on a topic supplied before the exam with guidance

UNIT 2: UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIA (60% of total marks)

Controlled assessments and practical coursework from three assignments to provide a complete coursework folder

For more information, download the syllabus here;

• AQA Website: Key Materials

Complimentary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

The critical analysis elements of media studies links well with English literature and language as students are expected to use similar skills of being able to approach texts from a critical perspective, only on a wider range of platforms such as websites and film.

The practical production elements of the course has strong links with Art, ICT, Photography, Drama, Music and Design as students will use these creative skills in the creation of their own media pieces.

Schemes of Work

The assignment banks for the GCSE coursework can be found on pages 8-15 of the course specification

• AQA Website: Key Materials

Useful Links

Due to the constantly changing nature of the media landscape, students are expected to keep abreast of current affairs and be familiar with trends within media texts and new digital media. Useful websites for this are;

• The Guardian
• mediaknowall

Multimedia links

As part of the practical production element, students will become versed in video editing skills for their coursework. As a school, we have a number of Macbooks and iMacs and use Final Cut Express for the creation of moving image pieces. Tutorials on this software can be easily found on the apple website or on

• YouTube Final Cut turorial

Mr R Carrington
Subject Leader: Media