The Media Department

Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11

As Media Studies is a new subject for most of the students, an interest in some of the types of text they will study is essential: this may be films, television, video games, newspapers, the Internet or even new media technologies.
The GCSE seeks to develop students’ understanding of how these products influence us, who the target audience is and how each product is representative of the society in which it has been developed.

The course is equally weighted between practical production work and preparation for the written exam. As part of the practical work, students will be required to use a large amount of IT to create media products such as websites, CD covers and film posters.

Students will need to have good IT and written skills in order to complete the coursework tasks. The course is divided into 3 units, two of which will be completed in Year 10.

Unit 1 - Examination Assessed:

This unit deals with the analysis of texts from camera work, to how people and places are presented. The unit focuses on two different texts: Action Adventure films and Television Comedy. The exam will involve watching a sequence from an action adventure film, and writing an analysis of the technical aspects. The second half of the paper will assess students’ knowledge of media audiences and institutions, in relation to the television industry.

This unit is worth 40% of the overall grade.

Unit 2 - Coursework:

This is an individual piece of work that includes a written and a practical component, on the topic of the representations of the music video industry. Assessment will be by an 800-1500 word assignment, and a practical task.

This unit is worth 30% of the overall grade.

Unit 3 - Coursework:

This is a major piece of practical work and will focus on students working in groups to produce the opening of a thriller film with storyboard. Students will be required to write a thousand word evaluation of their work.

This unit is worth 30% of the overall grade.