Media

At the beginning of year 10 students are introduced to the media studies theoretical framework which is the foundation of the entire media studies curriculum.  Students apply their new knowledge of media language and representation to advertising and marketing through the set products (For example, This Girl Can).

Students apply their growing knowledge of audience and industry to Video games and contemporary music videos. They are then taught to apply their learning to examples of TV and News Media.  The theoretical study for components one and two is complimented by an NEA brief where students are challenged to explore their creative application of skills and knowledge acquired. 

Students go on to explore set radio products and delve into online and social media. The exploration of radio allows students to understand how media has evolved, by looking at ‘The Archers’, they gain an insight into how a product has had to adapt to the changing world around us and invest in an online presence to engage an ever-evolving audience.

To develop the depth of our students understanding, the syllabi content is complemented with relevant examples which are explored alongside the set products. For example, students are expected to keep abreast of current news stories and analyse how these are reported, actively engaging in the current context around them.

The KS5 curriculum uses the GCSE as a foundation to explore higher level products and concepts. There is a greater emphasis on the understanding of specific theorists allowing students to appreciate individual contributions to a growing industry. Learners gain an understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media. Media is a constantly evolving area of study with 

new elements emerging each year. The examination specifications provide a springboard for students to actively engage in the media world, presenting informed arguments and drawing conclusions. The flexibility of choosing the set products studies means the curriculum offer can be adapted for each cohort.

The curriculum at both KS4 and KS5 aims to reflect the ever-changing world of Media and allow students to keep up to date whilst understanding the history and context of how and why this evolution has taken place.

For Media students this means:

• Develop a critical appreciation media products
• Understand and appreciate media products as constructions and an art form
• Learn how meaning is constructed and be able to deconstruct media texts through textual analysis
• Understand and apply critical theories and concepts
• Appreciate industry processes and roles while developing their own production skills
• Become critical thinkers with open minds willing to question and re-evaluate assumptions
• Become more knowledgeable, culturally aware, interested and engaged with the world beyond the classroom
• Gain an understanding of different cultures, contexts, issues, debates and the impact of human behaviour
• Develop empathy and consider those represented in texts as well as the impact representations have on different audiences
• Consider societal values and ideological influences in film and media texts while exploring and evaluating their own values and beliefs.
• Are encouraged through the study of media products, to debate and discuss themes and topics that they would not necessarily explore elsewhere in the school curriculum.