Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Media Studies
Introduction
If you are interested in how television, newspapers, films, magazines, computer games, social media and the internet influence and shape the way the world we live in, then A-level media studies may be for you!
Media studies allows students to view and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Mr R Benn
Assessment
- Examination: 70%
- 35%: media one, 2 hours.
- 35%: media two 2 hours.
- Non-examined assessment: 30%
- 30%: creating a cross media production.
Curriculum
Course content
We look closely and seriously at a range of media products such as television crime dramas, music videos and magazines. To do so, we apply theories about the media (sociological, psychological, and political) and debate the theories’ usefulness and relevance today. For example, we look at the ownership of newspapers and the impact that might have on the news we are receiving; and we look at how gender and ethnicity are represented in video games.
As well as studying media products, students have the opportunity to make their own. This means that students apply their knowledge of media products studied in the course to their own creative work.
Topics
- Advertising and marketing.
- Music videos.
- Newspapers.
- Radio.
- Film.
- Television.
- Magazines.
- Online and social media.
- Video games.
Skills and requirements
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in either GCSE English language or GCSE English literature.
or
- Grade 4 in either English GCSE and a good result in a technical media related subject e.g. iMedia.
Beyond the classroom
Past activities have included:
- Attended special screenings at the Into Film Festival.
- Visited the Museum of the Moving Image in Bradford.
- Guest speakers from the worlds of marketing and media.
- Students are encouraged to take part in events organised by the Showroom in Sheffield.
- Students are encouraged to enter competitions as they arise.
- Some students have got involved in media projects within school, e.g. filming and editing a school concert.
Future pathways
You could move on to a media studies or related degree such as journalism, marketing, TV/radio/film, advertising, or public relations course. There are apprenticeship opportunities in broadcasting and journalism and junior roles in marketing. You'll have transferable skills including the following: analysis, visual communication, problem solving, presentation and organisational skills as well as technical skills such as using creative media software.
