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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying Media gives you the opportunity to analyse and deconstruct the fast-moving, media-rich world that surrounds us. You will learn how different institutions create (and often control) the media. For example, how the BBC create their television dramas and how Bauer Media and IPC create magazines for different audiences.

Once you have learnt how the professionals do it, we let you have a go! You will have the opportunity to work in small group practical lessons with our Technical Support Assistant, an ex-industry professional, to learn how to create your own music magazines and videos, so that you
really understand how these  products are created.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will require a Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English Language and English Literature.

Attention to current affairs is essential. You will spend time over the course developing your IT and software skills, so an interest in film and media production is also essential.

SYLLABUS

COMPONENT 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences

This component covers all the following media forms:

  • music videos
  • video games
  • advertising
  • film marketing
  • newspapers
  • radio news/current affairs programmes

You will look at how representations are created within these media forms, how audiences are targeted by them, as well as be able to apply a variety of media theories to each.

The exam consists of two sections:

  • Section A: Analysing Media Language and Representation

  • Section B: Understanding Media Industries and Audiences

COMPONENT 2:
Media Forms and Products in Depth

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, industry and audiences through an in-depth study of three key media industries.

The exam consists of three sections:

Section A – Television in the Global Age

You will study the television industry and two set television products in detail, one of which is British and another which comes from another country. For example, Peaky Blinders and The Bridge. 

Section B – Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media

You will study the magazine industry and two set magazine products in-depth for this unit, one of which is a historical edition, for example, Woman and Adbusters.

Section C – Media in the Online Age

You will study online media forms and two set online products in detail, for example KSI and Attitude.

COMPONENT 3: Cross Media Production (Non-exam assessment)

This component provides you with the opportunity to show your knowledge and understanding in a practical, creative way. You will be asked to fulfil a specific brief to create a cross-media campaign for a specific target audience. Some examples from the past have been to film a music video, create album art and construct a magazine front cover as a marketing tool.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

There will be internal assessments at the end of Year 12 and final externally-assessed examinations at the end of Year 13 for Components 1 and 2, which are both assessed through extended written responses.

Each of these examinations are worth 35% of the course. 

Component 3 (NEA) will commence in Year 12 and continue into Year 13, worth the final 30% of the qualification.

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

Many of our Media students choose to pursue a career in the media or film industries, going to university to continue their studies or gaining employment in local or London-based companies.

Possible career paths: media production (camera operator, director, photographer, editor); advertising and marketing; script/screenwriter; journalism; content creator; social media manager; press relations; creative writing; photography; teaching.