During the twentieth century, new technologies such as film, photography, television and the internet transformed the way people communicated and reshaped everyday life. Today we are surrounded by the mass media, from cinema and advertising to social media and streaming platforms, and it is easy to take these influences for granted. Media Studies gives students the tools to understand how the media works and how, as targeted consumers, we are influenced by it.
In Media Studies, students learn to think critically about a wide range of media products including music videos, television, magazines and online content. They explore key questions such as:
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How do music videos use techniques to shape audience responses?
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What impact has digital media had on news production and the future of newspapers?
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How are people of different ethnicities and backgrounds represented across media platforms?
Students gain insight into the choices made by media producers and the messages and meanings created for audiences. Along the way, they develop valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis and essay writing. In addition, the practical coursework element in Year 10 builds research, planning, design and time management skills, allowing students to apply their knowledge creatively.
Media Studies is not only about analysing the world around us, it inspires curiosity about how the media shapes culture, identity and society, and equips students with skills that are relevant in education, careers and everyday life.
Programmes of study
| Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Introduction to key media analysis framework, terminology and developing analysis skills | Visual analysis skills and understanding television genre. Looking at how British crime dramas and representations of gender and contemporary social issues within them have changed over time |
| Newspapers: industry and modern political ideologies | The modern music industry and promotion with analysis of key music videos and online marketing of artists |
| Print advertising and the representation of gender, both contemporary and historically | Revision of key skills and topics from years 10 and 11 in preparation for final exams |
| The modern video game industry | |
| Film marketing | |
| Magazine design and content | |
| NEA – 12 week practical coursework design project – focussing on either magazines or film marketing |
