Media Studies
What is Media Studies?
Media Studies examines mass communication in all its forms. We study a variety of media products from the Audio & Moving Image sector, Publishing, as well as the Interactive sector. We also carry analysis of films, TV programmes, video games, radio programmes, music videos, magazines, newspapers and so much more. Such products are analysed through micro and macro deconstruction, in order to help students develop and construct their own media products. Students learn the process of media production: pre-production, production, post-production, distribution and exhibition.
At St Thomas More School, the Media department is a dynamic and active place. Students study key concepts such as media language, representation, audience, and industry. They leave with skills that can be used as part of their university studies, in the thriving media industries in the UK, and are easily transferable to all other sectors as every business and institution relies on a media presence.
Our students produce complex pieces of work using state of the art technology. The department enables students to build work portfolios which can be used for professional interviews, or support college/university applications
Teachers
Ms C Dag - Acting Head of Department
Ms C Grounds - Lead Practitioner
Ms T Marques
Curriculum Map
KS4
Media Studies (GCSE)
Course outline for OCR Media Studies (J200)
Students will sit two written exams at the end of the course that represents 70% of their overall grade. There will be a non-exam assessment (NEA) worth 30% that students will complete in their final year of the course.
- Paper 1: Television and Promoting Media – 35% of total GCSE grade
- Paper 2: Music and News – 35% of total GCSE grade
- NEA: Creating Media - 30% of total GCSE grade
Course Outline for Level 2 Tech Award in Creative Media Production with EDEXCEL
Students begin the course by exploring the different media industries and the products they produce. They will learn to deconstruct media products such as video games, film, magazines, music videos etc. in component 1. This will help students learn how to construct media products of their own in component 2 and 3.
The Tech Award is largely coursework based, however the externally marked component 3 and will be a supervised assessment period of up to nine hours.
- Component 1: Exploring Media Products (Internal coursework).
- Component 2: Developing Media Production Skills (Internal coursework).
- Component 3: Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief (external synoptic assessment).
Why Choose Media studies?
The GCSE Media Studies course attracts an increasingly large number of students every year because it makes learning interesting, challenging, creative and fun. Students learn about the role of the Media in society, as well as new technologies. Our Course offers:
- Extensive and meaningful coverage of media theory and practice
- Practical work which integrates theories and concepts
- A choice of assignments for production and pre-production
- The chance to study across a range of different media
- Opportunities to learn about real media products and industries
Key Skills in Media Studies
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Pre-production and planning skills like storyboarding, scripting, mock-ups and sketching
- Production skills like filming, recording, and editing.
- Evaluation skills
Technology
Students have access to;
- DSLRS
- PCs
- Adobe software such as Premier Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, and AffectAffects
Future Directions
Which courses could GCSE Media Studies lead to?
- A Level Media Studies
- Btec National In Creative Media
- A Level Film Studies
KS5
A Level
Course outline for OCR Media Studies (H409)
Students will sit two written papers (2 hours each paper) complete a non-exam assessment (NEA) worth 30% of the overall grade.
- Paper 1: News and Online Media, and Media Language and Representation -35%.
- Paper 2: Media Industries and Audiences, and Long Form Television – 35%.
- NEA: Making Media – 30%.
What type of student succeeds at Media A Level?
Media Studies is a challenging A Level. It requires commitment and a willingness to work as part of a team and independently. A successful A-Level Media student has a strong passion for the subject, is able to understand and apply complex theories and can construct media products with creativity and flair.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade 5 at English GCSE is required in order to study Media Studies at A Level.
Complementary subjects
Media Studies is well paired with Drama, English, Music, Art, Sociology and Business Studies.
Homework
Students receive substantial homework each week. Homework topics include; researching case studies, blog work, essay writing and answering exam questions.
Future Directions
Which university courses require A Level Media Studies?
Media degrees require A Level Media.
Examples of courses;
- Media Studies BA
- Media Digital Arts and Film
- Media and Communication
- Contemporary Media Practices BA
- Television Production BA
Which careers could A Level Media Studies lead to?
- Advertising
- Film Production
- TV Production
- Teaching Media Studies
- Social Media Executive
I have gained so much from studying A level Media; from new skills in technology to academic essay writing which I will be able to apply to whatever my future pathways are. More importantly it has helped me to objectively view the media world we live in. Lemar Barratt – Past Pupil
Creative Media Production (BTEC)
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Course outline for Creative Digital Media Production (Edexcel)
Students must study three mandatory units (M) and one optional unit (O). They will sit one written exam and one externally assessed set task from Edexcel. Two units will be internally assessed.
- Unit 1: Media Representations (M) – external assessment (25%)
- Unit 4: Pre-Production Portfolio (M) – internal assessment (25%)
- Unit 8: Responding to a Commission (M) – external assessment (33%)
- Unit 10: Film Production – Fiction (O) – internal assessment (17%)
What type of student succeeds at BTEC Media –Level 3?
Students require commitment and a willingness to work both as part of a team and independently. A successful media student has a strong passion for the subject, and is able to understand complex software to construct professional media products with creativity and flair.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade 4 in English GCSE is required.
Complementary subjects
Media Studies is well paired with Drama, Music, Art and Business Studies.
Homework
Students receive substantial homework each week. Homework topics include; researching case studies, blog work and report writing.
Future Directions
Which university courses accept Btec Level 3 Creative Media Production?
- Media Studies BA
- Media Digital Arts and film
- Media and Communication
- Contemporary Media Practices BA
- Television Production BA
Which careers could Btec Level 3 Creative Media Production lead to?
- Advertising
- Film Production
- TV Production
- Teaching Media Studies
- Social Media Executive
I specifically chose BTEC Creative Media to allow my media skills to develop in production and post-production. The structure of the course has made me work more independently and I’m proud of my portfolio of creative work. Student