School Life
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Media Studies
The Media Studies curriculum at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to develop students' critical understanding of media texts and industries, alongside their creative production skills. In an increasingly media-saturated world, the ability to analyze and create media content is an essential skill. Our curriculum encourages students to engage with a diverse range of media forms and develop the analytical, research, and creative skills that are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.
Key Stage 3
While Media Studies is not taught as a discrete subject at Key Stage 3, media literacy is embedded within the English curriculum. Students explore various media texts and develop analytical skills through:
Year 7-9 English curriculum includes:
- Analysis of advertising techniques
- Film and television study
- News media and journalism
- Digital media and social networks
- Creating media products (posters, trailers, etc.)
Year 9 Media Club
Students interested in Media Studies can join our Year 9 Media Club which introduces:
- Basic camera techniques and editing skills
- Introduction to media language and representation
- Mini-production projects
- Media industry insights
- GCSE Media Studies taster activities
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4, students follow the Eduqas GCSE Media Studies specification. This course provides an excellent foundation for understanding how media products are created and how audiences interact with them.
Course Content
Key media concepts studied throughout the course:
- Media language: how media products communicate meaning
- Representation: how media portray events, issues, individuals and social groups
- Media industries: how the media industries' processes of production, distribution and circulation affect media forms and platforms
- Audiences: how media forms target, reach and address audiences, and how audiences interpret and respond to them
Media Forms
Year 10
- Advertising and marketing
- Film industry and film marketing
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Radio
Year 11
- Television
- Music video
- Video games
- Online, social and participatory media
- Non-exam assessment preparation and completion
Assessment
- Component 1: Exploring the Media (Written Examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of qualification)
- Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products (Written Examination, 1 hour 30 minutes, 30% of qualification)
- Component 3: Creating Media Products (Non-exam Assessment, 30% of qualification)
Non-Exam Assessment
Students produce:
- Media products based on a brief set by the exam board
- Examples include: magazine covers and articles, film marketing materials, music videos, television sequences
- Production work that demonstrates application of knowledge and understanding of media language and representation
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
In the Sixth Form, students can study A-Level Media Studies. We follow the OCR specification, which offers an engaging and contemporary approach to the subject, allowing students to develop advanced critical and creative skills.
Course Content
The course covers:
- Media language, representation, industries and audiences
- Media contexts (social, cultural, economic, political and historical)
- Theoretical framework including semiotics, narratology, genre theory, audience theories, and Marxist, feminist and postmodern perspectives
- Close study products across nine media forms
- Advanced practical production skills
Assessment
- Paper 1: Media Messages (Written Examination, 2 hours, 35% of A-Level)
- Paper 2: Evolving Media (Written Examination, 2 hours, 35% of A-Level)
- Non-examined Assessment: Creating Media Products (30% of A-Level)
Non-Examined Assessment
Students create:
- A cross-media production in response to a choice of briefs set by OCR
- Production work across two different media forms (e.g., television and website, film marketing and social media)
- A statement of aims and intentions to accompany the production
Facilities and Resources
The Media Studies department at Ernest Bevin Academy is well-equipped with specialist facilities and resources:
- Dedicated Media Studies classroom with large screen displays
- Media computer suite with Adobe Creative Cloud software (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, etc.)
- Digital SLR cameras and video cameras
- Green screen facilities for video production
- Audio recording equipment
- Industry-standard lighting equipment
- Extensive media text library
Enrichment Opportunities
- Media Club (open to all year groups)
- School Magazine editorial team
- Film Club
- School News Team
- Annual film festival showcasing student work
- Trips to media institutions (BBC, Sky, Warner Bros. Studios)
- Cinema visits and screenings
- Guest speakers from media industries
- BFI Education workshops
- National and regional media competitions
How Parents Can Help
- Encourage critical viewing of media texts (films, TV shows, advertisements)
- Discuss media representations and stereotypes
- Support with equipment for practical projects (or speak to the department for support)
- Visit media exhibitions, museums, and cinema screenings
- Discuss current affairs and how they are represented in different media outlets
- Encourage reading of quality journalism
- Support with revision for written examinations
- Discuss ethical issues surrounding media, such as privacy and representation
Useful Resources
Websites
Additional Resources
- GCSE Media Studies Revision Guide (Download PDF)
- Media Key Terms Glossary (Download PDF)
- Production Techniques Guide (Download PDF)
- NEA Brief and Guidance (Download PDF)