Media Studies
Media Studies is offered as an A level subject. It is a popular choice at at both AS and A2 levels. We study the AQA syllabus. In the first year, students study a range of film and television texts. We cover the following areas:
Reading The Media;
Textual Topics in Contemporary Media.
The formerinvolves students learning the key approaches and vocabulary which can be applied to any media text, both print based and moving image. In the exam, there is one paper on this area. Students are provided with a text to deconstruct (i.e. expalin how it works).
The second area allows the teacher to choose between a more detailed study of the following: film and braodcast fiction (always a popular option); documentary; British Newspapers; Advertising and Marketing.
If you enjoy watching films with a critical eye; if you question rather than just accept whatever the media feeds you, if you are interested in the cutting edge of the media as well as being prepared to study its origins, then this subjest is for you.
Coursework:
In the Lower Sixth, students have the opportunity to undertake a practical option. In recent years, we have encouraged students to make their own short films. This involves storyboarding, scripting, shooting and editing. The fact that this accounts for 40% of their AS mark, perhaps explains the considerable success we have enjoyed in terms of exam grades.
In the Upper Sixth, students research and write an Independent Study. This is a project on an area of interest to the students, applying the knowledge and skills they have gained during the course. In the past, topics have included the representation of family life in The Simpsons; a study of gender representation in women's magazines; a study of the development of the slasher genre.
As you can see, we welcome independent minded students, with an awarenesss and real interest in the subject, with their own particular areas of interest. Above all, we need lively and inquiring minds!