Media Studies
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Head of Department: Mrs C Stokes
Media Studies is a highly sought-after A-Level course that provides students with opportunities to grasp the pivotal role of media in contemporary society. This course fosters a deep understanding of media concepts, theories, and the key issues and debates shaping the field today through our close study set texts.
Our Media Studies programme is delivered by expert teachers in a state-of-the-art facility, complete with its own cinema. This unique feature allows for in-depth film analysis in an authentic setting and provides a platform for students to showcase their work. Adjacent to the cinema, our suite of rooms is equipped with 20 Apple iMac’s, enabling students to create high-quality films using professional editing software. Students work independently on cross-media productions, which are proudly presented at our annual Oscar ceremony.
Teaching Staff
- Mrs C Stokes - Head of Department
- Mrs Diamond
- Mrs Eyres
Enrichment Activities
A-Level Media Studies students are offered a variety of enriching experiences to gain industry insights. These opportunities have included filming and editing footage from a TEDx event at the Turner Contemporary, creating YouTube match highlight videos for Margate Football Club, and visiting Cabin FM to research and present their own broadcast as part of the Georgie Girls morning show.
Students also benefit from guest speakers from the industry, such as Ashley Walters, renowned for his significant contributions to film and television. During his visit, Ashley Walters shared his journey from his first audition to embracing roles behind the camera. He expressed his passion for British film and provided insights into exciting upcoming projects. Following his engaging talk, he visited our Media department, where students had the chance to discuss and showcase their own media productions.
Additionally, students receive support with their applications to join the BFI Film Academy. These opportunities allow students to earn QCF-recognised qualifications, including the ‘NCFE Level 2 - Preparing to Work in the Film Industry,’ and participate in animation and scriptwriting workshops.
What do our students study?
- Media Language: Exploring genre codes and conventions to understand how meaning is created.
- Media Representation: Examining how events, issues, and individuals are portrayed in the media.
- Media Industries: Investigating the institutions behind media texts, including ownership, production, distribution, and circulation.
- Media Audiences: Analysing how audiences are grouped and categorised, and the evolving role of audiences.
- Component 1: Media Products, Industries, and Audiences (35%)
- Section A: Students analyse Media Language and Representation in both set and unseen texts.
- Section B: Students investigate Media Industries and Audiences, considering context and critical debates while applying their theoretical knowledge.
- Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth (35%)
- This component focusses on the in-depth study of ‘Television in the Global Age,’ ‘Magazines - Mainstream and Alternative Media,’ and ‘Media in the Online Age.’
- Component 3: Creating Cross Media Productions (Non-exam assessment, 30%)
- Students respond to a choice of media production briefs, applying their theoretical knowledge to create media products for a specific audience.
| Subject Documents |
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| Year 12 Media Studies Curriculum Plan |
| Year 13 Media Studies Curriculum Plan |