Media Studies
Media Studies is a study of television, film, advertising, news, magazines, radio and much more. It is a modern subject that allows students to study something relevant to them. It will improve their analytical skills and understanding of how we are influenced by the media and how media texts are produced. Students will be able to develop their written analysis as well as their creative and technological skills in production.
At GCSE the coursework is worth 60% and the exam 40% of the final grade.
At AS and A2 level the coursework and exam are worth 50% each of the final grade.
Ways in which students can be supported from home:
• Students will be given two extended learning pieces over the cycle (one a week) at KS4
• Extended learning should last around an hour so please check, where possible, that tasks are completed thoroughly
• At KS5 we expect students to carry out both compulsory tasks and independent work to further their learning. It is our expectation that they will be doing an hour of work per lesson
• Students should be encouraged to read newspapers to keep up to date with current events; particularly those related to the media
• Access to a computer would be helpful to research companies and existing media texts which students can model their own production work on
• Students should be trying to read and look at a wide variety of media texts so that they become used to a diverse range of media
• We always ask students to ask “why?” and “how” whenever analysing a media text. ‘Why’ have media texts been constructed in particular ways? ‘How’ would it appeal to an audience? Encourage students to do this when they are watching or reading anything
What you will do at KS4
Term 1
Media language of a wide variety of media texts (print/moving image) – study of conventions
Audience
Practice creation of products using genre and media language focus
Term 2
Audience - continue
Pre production skills
Assignment 1 – magazine cover analysis and production
Term 3
Representation and Ideology
Institutions
Start analysis work for assignment 2
Term 4
Assignment 2 – Film promotion production
Term 5
Advertising analysis
Research for Assignment 3 – Advertising and marketing
Term 6
Filming and editing practice
Pre-production work for advertising campaign
Year 11
Term 1
Assignment 3 Advertising and marketing production
Term 2
Finish Assignment 3
Assignment 3 evaluation
Possibility of extra unit to improve marks (at discretion of teacher)
Term 3
Revision of key concepts
Study for unit 1 topic – Television Crime Drama
Term 4
Study for unit 1 topic
Term 5
Set brief preparation – released in early May
June - Unit 1 exam
What you will do at KS5
AS
Half Term 1: Platform based work (MEST 1 Section A) and Key concepts in Moving Image, Print and E-media based texts
Introduce coursework briefs before half term so research can be started.
Half Term 2: MEST 2 Coursework
Research
Pre-production (storyboards, mock ups) (1 – 2 weeks)
Moving image and print productions
Evaluation
Half Term 3:
Complete coursework
MEST 1 Section A Practice analysis of media texts
MEST 1 Section B
Lifestyle: Cookery and home makeover media texts
(Students should also work on individual case studies)
Half Term 4:
Continuing preparation for exams
Half Term 5:
Revision for section A and B of MEST 1
Half Term 6:
A2 Debates and theories
Generate ideas for A2 coursework
A2 level
Term 1
Teacher 1: Study of new technology and unseen analysis practice for section A of exam
Teacher 2: Study of representation for section B of exam
Term 2
Teacher 1: Study of new technology and unseen analysis practice for section A of exam
Teacher 2: Study of representation for section B of exam with a focus on students working on their independent case studies
Term 3
MEST 3 exam
Teacher 1: A2 coursework essay
Teacher 2: A2 coursework production
Term 4
Teacher 1: A2 coursework essay
Teacher 2: A2 coursework production
Term 5
Completion and submission of coursework
Term 6
MEST 3 retakes if necessary