Media Studies

The media plays an important part in our lives. The course explores the way media texts such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, film, advertising and new media manufacture and circulate meaning, focusing on the concepts of audience, representation, language, institution and ideology.

This four-unit course, spread over 2 years (for the Advanced GCE qualification), integrates theoretical and practical approaches to Media Studies.  The course is assessed by examination at the ends of Year 12 and 13 and by practical coursework which is submitted at the end of each Spring Term.

Students will be offered opportunities to supplement their learning experiences through cultural visits and practical application of skills.  Most recently students have benefited from media tours of New York and Los Angeles and worked alongside the BBC South production team at the 2007 Bestival on the Isle of Wight.

H140 (AS) Unit G321: Coursework Foundation Portfolio in Media. (50% of total AS marks). Brief: Print Production of two paired media artefacts, based on the conventions of magazine publishing.

Unit G322:
(2 hour written examination - 50% of total AS marks)
Section A Textual Analysis and Representation of moving image – Contemporary British TV drama
Section B  Institutions and Audiences – A case study of a contemporary British magazine

H540 (A2) Unit G324: Coursework Advanced Portfolio in Media.
(25% of total A2 marks). Brief: A synoptic unit; a media product and publicity (using video and print media); a presentation of research in an electronic format.

Unit G325: (2 hour written exam – 25% of total A2 marks).
Brief: A synoptic unit:
Section A Theoretical Evaluation of AS & A2 Productions
Section B Contemporary Media Issues – Collective Identity Issues: Disability and Youth Culture

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Media is primarily about communication.  You should have:

• a good GCSE grade in English (preferably an A or B grade)

• a keen interest in media culture

• a creative and enquiring mind

EXTRA FEATURES:
Opportunities to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities e.g. university workshops, conferences, work experience and visits at home and abroad, and talks by practitioners and lecturers in school.

POSSIBLE  PROGRESSION:
Many universities offer a wide range of media-based courses, both practical and theoretical, preparing students for careers ranging from journalism to film/TV production and new media.

TEACHER CONTACT: Ms C Dewey