Media Studies
Media Studies looks at how the media works, how the media is created, and by whom. We also explore the reasons the media tells you some things and not others, and why the media shapes your decisions on everything that affects you.
Watch the video, read the Subject Information and if you still have questions, contact the faculty on the form below.
What is involved in taking Media studies GCSE?
Media studies looks at:
How the media works
How the media is created, and by whom
The reasons the media tells you some things and not others
Why the media shapes your decisions on everything that affects you
How is the course structured and what exam board do we use?
We use the Eduqas exam board. There are two 90-minute exams at the end of Year 11. This is 70% of the final mark. This is on a wide variety of media products that will have been researched throughout the GCSE course. There is also a Non Exam Assessment (Coursework) that makes up 30% of the final mark. Each year the exam board release a fresh set of briefs for the cohort. The briefs have in the past covered making your own media such as a television sequence, some radio products, a website, a music video, sections of a newspaper, sections of a magazine, or an advertising campaign. You will be offered guidance on which brief to choose from the ones released for your year to use your strengths effectively. In each assignment there is some written work (a short statement) and quite a lot of practical work.
What skills do I need to be successful in the subject?
An interest in the media and the world around you is essential. You do need to be creative, as you will be developing ideas for a huge variety of media products. A good level of English is also required, as the exams will feature some longer essay questions for which your skill at developing a well-supported argument will be assessed, as well as your knowledge of the world of media. Students who are curious about the world, self-motivated and hard-working will find the course very enjoyable.
How will this help me prepare for my future?
As well as giving you a better understanding of how all current forms of media work, it will give you the skills to research a topic, organise your ideas, and run a successful practical project. It will not teach you how to be a TV presenter (but it might teach you how to deal with the press if you become famous). It will definitely give you the knowledge to use the media to your advantage in almost any job you can think of. Media would suit students interested in Journalism, TV and Film and Advertising, and it goes well with subjects like History, Art and Photography.