Media Studies
The media studies curriculum offers students the chance to develop investigative, critical-thinking and decision-making skills through consideration of issues that are important, real and relevant in the media-saturated world we live in.
The aim of the subject is to enable media students to draw on their existing experience of the media and to develop their abilities to explore as well as to create media.
Head of Department: Mr P O’Connor
Email: POConnor@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
What will students study?
In KS4
Students are offered a GCSE course which is a level 2 qualification.
GCSE (Eduqas exam board): this is aimed at students who enjoy analysing and using different kinds of media; they may be interested in working in the media industries. This course will help them to understand the layers of meaning in a product and how this meaning is constructed. It also encourages students to look at different groups of people to understand how they are stereotyped or represented in the media. We look at the historical context of the industries and investigate how audiences respond in different ways. The course also enables them to engage in a practical element as they are given a choice of 4 briefs (music videos, film marketing, television or magazines), and create their own media product which they have researched and planned. This is 30% of their final grade.
In KS5
A Level Media Studies encourages students to develop their appreciation and critical understanding of the media and its role in their daily lives. They also have the opportunity to develop their practical and creative skills through personal engagement with independent production. We encourage students to understand how to use media concepts and ideas to analyse the media productions in various contexts.
At the end of the first year, students are given the opportunity to research an industry which will then form the basis for their production, thus encouraging them to create media products informed by an awareness of contemporary media issues.
How can I support my child in this subject?
The best way to support your child for this subject is to go through the work they have completed in lessons, and review their understanding of media texts and their industries by engaging in discussion about the representation within films and programmes, and exploring issues and debates that are prevalent in the media.
Below is a list of useful websites:
www.englishandmedia.co.uk/media-magazine/
Students should use their individual logins for the school subscriptions for Media Edusites. This will enable them to develop knowledge and become more curious about the industries and subject.
All specifications are available online for you to read.
What equipment does my child need in this subject?
For this subject it can be very useful to have a computer at home, but if this is not available the LRC is open before and after school. Students are required to have the same stationery equipment in line with Stanborough School expectations for planning and design work. It is also useful for students to have a USB stick to enable them to save all production work, particularly coursework.
Celebrating successes in this subject
Teachers use reward points every lesson to recognise the effort, attainment and presentation of students. Each term subject prizes are given to students whose work has gone above and beyond what we might have expected. The very best students in each year group are also recognised when they are given the subject prizes in the celebration of achievements evening.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Visits
The media classroom is open every day after school for media students to work on their coursework. Students also have the opportunity to film school events/promotional material and edit this for students and parents.