Media Studies
- Media Subject Leader: Mr J. Harrison (Vice Principal)
The GCSE Media Studies course focuses on developing students' understanding of the media, its role in society, and how media products are created and consumed.
The course is broken down into three components outlined below:
Component 1: Exploring the Media (Written Examination - 40%)
This component focuses on analysing media language and representations across a range of media forms. It includes the study of:
- Media Language: How media texts create meaning through technical and symbolic codes such as camera angles, mise-en-scène, editing and sound.
- Media Representations: How different social groups, issues, and events are represented in the media, including stereotypes, gender, ethnicity and age.
- Media Audiences: The impact of media on different audience groups, audience theories, and how different audiences interpret media products.
- Media Forms Studied: Print (newspapers, magazines), advertisements, film posters, and video games.
Exam format:
- Section A: Questions based on media language and representations in relation to the media forms.
- Section B: Focuses on media industries and audiences in relation to the forms studied.
Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products (Written Examination - 30%)
This section allows for a deeper exploration of specific media industries and products. The exam focuses on media products across three different forms:
- Television: Studying a set television show, looking at media language, industry, representation, and audience.
- Music: Analysis of music videos and online media platforms (social media, websites) related to artists or bands.
- Film Marketing: Focusing on how films are marketed, including posters, trailers, and other promotional materials.
Exam format:
- Section A: Questions focused on one media form (TV).
- Section B: Focused on music videos, websites, and how the music industry engages with audiences and markets artists.
Component 3: Creating Media Products (Non-Exam Assessment - NEA, 30%)
In this practical component, students apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained to create their own media product. This involves:
- Task: Creating a media product for a specific audience in response to a brief provided by the exam board.
- Media forms: Students can choose from a range of options, such as creating a magazine cover and article, a marketing campaign for a film, a music video, or a website.
- Planning and Production: Demonstrating skills in pre-production (storyboards, mock-ups), production (using digital editing tools, photography, etc.), and post-production processes.
Assessment Overview:
- Component 1: Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) – 40%
- Component 2: Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) – 30%
- Component 3: Coursework/NEA – 30%
Key Theoretical Areas:
Throughout the course, students will be introduced to key media theories such as:
- Semiotics (Roland Barthes)
- Narrative Theory (Todorov, Propp)
- Genre Theory (Steve Neale)
- Audience Theory (Stuart Hall's Reception Theory, Uses and Gratifications)
- Industry and Regulation (David Hesmondhalgh)
Exam Board: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies-gcse/#tab_keydocuments