Media Studies

The Media plays a central role in modern society: each time we watch television, read a magazine or access the Internet we are being exposed to the power of the Media. We are also affected by Media that we do not necessarily choose to consume. By studying the forms and conventions of media texts, you will be able to challenge commonly-held assumptions about issues such as the representation of young people and the potential impact of the Media on public opinion.

As a student of the Media, you will be required to deconstruct media texts such as newspapers, adverts and television programmes. You will learn specialist terminology to describe what you see and apply theory to explain the reasons for particular production techniques. Your study of the Media will extend beyond the study of specified texts to include lively debate about how cultural ideologies are constructed and reinforced.

In addition to analytical work, you will also need the imagination to create your own texts: 40% of the final grade will result from a practical production that may include: the opening sequence to a documentary; a music video or a film trailer. You will have the opportunity to develop ICT skills by using publishing programs and editing. Two further investigative projects each account for 10% of the overall GCSE grade. In total, controlled assessment accounts for 60% of the final grade.

The summative exam accounts for 40% of the final GCSE grade and includes the study of two topics, changing annually: for example, sitting the exam in 2012 will study music industry websites and magazines.

Media Studies is a challenging and contemporary course that is underpinned by the study of culture, and using theory to examine the relationship between institutions and audiences. Pupils also benefit from the links between the study of GCSE Media Studies and GCSE English.

Exam board: WJEC

GCSE Media Studies course work 2011 - Documentary "Teenagers: It's a tough life", "In her shoes" and "Hidden heros".