The aim of the Media Studies Department is for the students to learn to look at the media in a different way. While still appreciating interesting and entertaining texts, students will be taught to analyse how to deconstruct texts and consider them critically. By doing this students will then be able to successfully create innovative and exciting media texts themselves.
A-Level Media Studies Handbook (Yr13)
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The Course
50% examination
50% coursework
For those studying A2 (the second year of the current qualification) the students develop their analysis skills while they also look at a range of issues in the media. This year the focus is on identity and the media and new and digital media. Coursework makes up 50% of the course. Students have a great deal of freedom to choose a topic that interests them. Students then write an essay and create a piece of production work based on their chosen area of interest.
From 2017
70% examination
30% coursework
The course offers students the chance to investigate the media and its place in the modern world. Students are asked to view the media through a theoretical framework. They are also required to consider the changing ideas about representations and identity in society and the impact that has on the media. Students will also analyse media texts including websites, TV, film and social media. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to debate key questions relating to the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media.
The course offers students the opportunity to learn how to use media technology and then to utilise these skills when they create their own media products.
Ongoing homework tasks
It is vital that students keep up to date with what is happening in the media so listening to the news or visiting news websites is very important. Students have also been given specific websites to use to further develop their knowledge and understanding.
Why studying the media is so important
In a world where we are saturated by the media it is really important that we question the images and texts we are surrounded by, considering who made them and for what purpose. It is vital that we consider really important issues such as whether the media is a force for good or harm, whether there should be controls on the media, or whether freedom of speech is always good. By doing this we avoid becoming a passive receptor to all that surrounds us and means we are informed citizens.
