Media

Welcome to the Media Studies department at Churchdown School

We live in a world dominated by the media, whether it is communication through mobile phones, the emergence of social websites such as Facebook, or the way in which computer generated images (CGI) enable spectacular films to be made. All are influencing our daily lives, whether we like it or not. It is all around us, all day, every day.

If you study Media Studies, you will gain an understanding of how the media influences modern life, and how you might get the best out of the Media. Knowledge of media is a life skill, and as such is useful in any future career such as journalism, teaching or advertising and marketing. GCSE Media Studies will also provide a solid foundation for further study of the subject at A-level and compliment other A-level choices such as Art, Drama, English or Business Studies.

You will study media topics from more traditional media such as newspapers and magazines, through to more ‘modern’ media such as social media and podcasts. You will develop digital photography skills, including editing on Final Cut Pro, and learn how to write and produce a music video. You will develop desktop publishing and journalistic skills, and develop analytical skills when watching TV programmes and movies.

KS4 Overview

OCR GCSE Media Studies

Unit 1: Television and Promoting Media

1 Hour 45 Minutes Exam 35%

The current exam will focus on a number of set products designed to test the students’ knowledge around the four key concepts of media language, representation, audience and industry. In this exam students will explore television through the contemporary 2010 crime drama ‘cuffs’ and the 1960’s spy classic ‘The Avengers’. The purpose will be to contrast the landscape of television in their respective eras and specific contexts as well as examining construction techniques to meet the conventions of the genre and appeal to an audience. The second part of the exam will look at film promotion using the Lego movie as a case study. A consideration of funding, regulation, merchandising and the various promotion techniques is used to guide the students study.

Unit 2: Music and News

1 Hour 30 Minutes Exam 35%

Further focus on the key concepts students will tackle music by looking at examples from MOJO magazine; radio one live lounge and music videos from Bruno Mars and Beyoncé. News will take an in depth look at contrasting newspapers from the 1960’s and more contemporary examples from the Guardian. Considering the mode of address and the relevance of articles towards the respective contexts are important as well as considering the impact technology has had on the world of news. Consideration of news as an online format is made with a look at different platforms and distribution.

Unit 3: NEA

Controlled Assessment 30%

The controlled assessment will allow the students to explore their creative side in responding to a set brief. The brief is set each year and will ask the students to create a media product aimed at a specific target audience. Examples could include magazines covers and articles, music videos or radio shows.

KS5 Overview

EDUQAS AS/A Level Media Studies

Component 1 – Investigating the Media

1 Hour 45 Minutes Exam 35%

The current exam will focus on a number of set products designed to test the students’ knowledge around the four key concepts of media language, representation, audience and industry. In this exam a wide range of set media products will be used to focus study and form the basis of the examinations questions. Students will study print advertisements, audio visual advertisements, film promotion, music videos, radio shows, newspapers and video games.

Component 2 – Investing Media Forms and Products

2 Hours Exam 35%

Students will embark on three in depth case studies examining key examples from television, magazines and online media. In the A level students will have additional set products in each category to provide contrasting examples in the case study. Students are expected to know these products inside out with a key relation to the key concepts and relevant theory.

Unit 3: NEA

Controlled Assessment 30%

Pearson BTEC Creative Media Production

Unit 1: Media Representations

This unit is an externally examined unit designed to test the student’s ability to understand how representations have been constructed within the media across a range of social groups and platforms. The exam is taken online and can be attempted twice. Students will be asked to watch video clips during the exam on which the questions are based. Theory and textual analysis are key to the success of this unit.

Unit 4: Pre Production Portfolio

This portfolio is designed to allow the students to consider the work that goes in to making a film. It is run alongside unit 10 where students get to film and edit their own film production. Careful consideration will go in to funding, regulations, casting, materials, logistics and more. While considering all the factors the students will also get to make their own decisions and carry out the process in relation to their own production.

Unit 8: Responding to a Commission

This unit is an externally examined and allows the students to select their own path when responding to a set brief from the exam board. They will be given a scenario and asked to plan the production of a media product that will meet the requirements of the commission. Students will be given preparation time prior to completing their final piece which will include a pitch, proposal, operational considerations and a treatment.

Unit 10: Film Production

Students will create their own film production. This can range from a short film to a segment of a film or a full theatrical trailer. Students must convey narrative and meet genre stylistic codes. The piece must effectively engage the intended audience and show creative flair.

EDUQAS A Level Film Studies

Component 1 – Investigating the Media

2 Hour 30 Minutes Exam 35%

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two Hollywood films, one from the

Classical Hollywood period (1930-1960) and the other from the New Hollywood period

(1961-1990).

Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream

film and one contemporary independent film.

Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two British films.

Component 2 – Investing Media Forms and Products

2 Hours 30 minutes Exam 35%

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films.

Section A: Global film (two-film study)

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two global films: one European and one

produced outside Europe.

Section B: Documentary film

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one documentary film.

Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one silent film or group of films.

Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)

One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one film option.

Unit 3: NEA

Controlled Assessment 30%

Here students are asked to create a 4-5 minute film in which they are expected to show all of the techniques and skills they have learned in their studies. Appealing to an audience is key but ensuring a creative use of aesthetics and constructions techniques will ensure top marks. Students must show a good understanding of genre conventions to meet the requirements of the set brief.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

The media studies computer room and dedicated Apple Mac media suite are open for students to come and complete coursework at break and lunch everyday. These rooms are also available until 4pm after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Trips

The media department is proud to offer an exciting and a marvellous trip to New York in conjunction with the business department. The trips will take students to the media capital of the world exploring sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Madison Square Gardens, central park, Trump Tower and the natural history museum. Staying in and around Times Square we get experience the bustle of New York, the shopping in 5^th avenue and a wide variety of culinary delights.

Next steps or where the subject leads

By studying media studies at GCSE, A Level or even both students leave with wide range of skills from research abilities, design, creativity, team working skills, critical analysis, commercial and cultural awareness. Students will delve deep in to a brand new subject and be given creative freedom and the ability to express their ideas and interpretations against a range of media throughout the course preparing them for a range of exciting a reward higher educational routes and careers.

Media studies students typically enter careers in the media, cultural and creative industries. Areas of work include television and radio, film and video, digital media, computer games, journalism, writing and publishing, PR and media practice.

Maybe it’s time to find out where a qualification in Media could take you?

Useful Links

Churchdown Media Hub 2 (email for access)
OCR GCSE Media Studies
EDUQAS AS/A Level Media Studies
EDUQAS AS/A Level Film Studies
BTEC Creative Media Studies