Introduction to the subject

Media Studies asks students to question the media that surrounds them every day, from the television dramas, music videos and online content they watch to the blogs, newspapers and magazines they read. Students are asked to consider what messages these texts send audiences about the society we live in. Does the media reinforce stereotypes? How much do celebrities influence our dress, behaviour and desires? How has the representation of gender changed since the 1950s? 

Media Studies also allows learners to have a greater appreciation of the way texts are constructed to appeal to different audiences and the creative and technical decisions made by the producers of the text. 

Students will also learn how to make their own media products from a choice of websites, print products or moving image.

What will you learn?

GCSE Media Studies explores in depth study of media products in four areas 

• media language • media representation • media industries  • media audiences

You will study media products from all of the following media forms: 

• audio-visual forms (TV, film, radio, advertising and marketing, video games and music video) 

• online forms (social and participatory media, video games, music video, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing) 

• print forms (newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)

As part of your coursework, you will produce your own media product which could be anything from a music video to a film marketing campaign.

Assessment

Component 1: Written examination: 1 hour 30mins, 40% of qualification 

Component 2: Written examination: 1 hour 30mins, 30% of qualification 

Component 3: Non-exam assessment: Media Production, 30% of qualification

After the course

During the GCSE Media course you’ll develop and practise a range of skills which will equip you for progression to A Level study. They will also help you hugely in other areas such as Film, English, Humanities and Social Sciences. Looking further ahead, over one hundred universities offer courses in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies in the UK. An A Level qualification in Media Studies, informed by study at GCSE level, helps you to move towards these courses, as well as to those in a range of other areas. If university isn’t for you, there is a huge array of career opportunities in the media, and it’s an industry that is growing very quickly. If you are interested in the idea of a career in TV and film production, advertising, journalism, interactive media, and digital marketing, technical production, special effects, web design and post-production, then studying Media at GCSE level is a great place to start. There has never been a better time to become a Media Studies student.

Introduction to the subject

Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject. GCSE Dance encourages students to develop and deepen their knowledge of professional dance works, their own technique and gain skills in order to be able to choreograph and dance with others. 

GCSE Dance recognises the role of dance in young people's lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions, however the majority of the course has a Contemporary Dance influence. Solo and duet/trio performance will be Contemporary, however they can choose any style of dance for choreography, providing it meets the assessment criteria. 

The course requires you to have an interest in a variety of dance, however you must have a passion for Contemporary Dance in particular. You need to be able to work well with others - be prepared to dance with and in front of others and willing to give up your own time for rehearsals. 

You should choose dance if you are engaged in practical learning as the emphasis is on practical assessment (60%), you are able to express yourself in different ways other than just writing, able to develop your creativity and have ownership over your learning. The study of Dance as an art form contributes to students' aesthetic and social development. As performers students develop self and body awareness as well as sensitivity to other dancers and teamwork skills. As choreographers, students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, leadership and communication skills. Viewing professional dances broadens students' cultural and artistic experiences. 

What will you learn?

GCSE Dance explores in depth the study of dance in relation to three areas;

1. Performance (30%) - You will be given the opportunity to improve your performance skills through solo and group performances, improving technical, physical, expressive and mental performance skills throughout. You will perform 2 set phrases that are solo performances and around 45 seconds each as well as a Duet/Trio performance with the other 2 set phrases included which will be between 3-5minutes in length where you will show these performance skills off to the examiner.

2. Choreography (30%) - You will look at and be given the tools in order to create your own piece of Choreography that has a clear stimulus, choreographic intent and motifs within it. You will learn how to create and develop motifs, structure a piece, use an appropriate aural setting and use actions, space, dynamics, relationships, choreographic processes and choreographic devices to make your choreography interesting and unique. You will have a choice of whether you create a solo or group piece of choreography based on a range of stimuli given by the exam board each year. If you choose to create a solo it must be between 2-2:30minutes in length and a group choreography must be between 3-3:30minutes in length.

3. Critical Appreciation of Dance (40%)

You will sit a written exam which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes that looks at your knowledge of the following;

Section A - Knowledge and understanding of the choreography process, performing skills and safe working practices - students will be given a stimulus and must describe how they would create a dance based on this. Showing knowledge of choreography terminology and skills in order to do this. They must also show knowledge of performance skills - how they are used, why they are used and how you can improve them.

Section B - Critical appreciation of your own work - students will critically appreciate their own performance and choreography, through describing, analysing, interpreting, evaluating and reflecting. Students must know and understand the meaning of the relevant performance and choreography terminology and how these terms have developed the audience's understanding of the piece.

Section C - Critical Appreciation of the 6 Professional Works - Students research into 6 professional works that offer a wide range of styles, looking at and being expected to know their features of production - lighting, movement, set design, aural setting, props, dancers, costume, performance environment, choreographic approaches, choreographic content and choreographic intent.

After the course

This course will prepare you for an A Level or BTEC Dance/Performing Arts course. It's a great start for anyone interested in a career in Dance; whether this be through practically as a professional dancer, freelancer, dance teacher or choreographer. Or as a dance scientist, dance movement therapist or dance officer. Equally the course is suited to anybody interested in a creative career.

Introduction to the subject

Your practical skills of composing music and performing will be refined and will demonstrate creativity, reflection and resilience, as well as developing confidence and presentation skills. Studying music will give you opportunities for higher order thinking, by considering ideas which go beyond language. This is great brain-training which will help you in other areas too. You will gain a deep understanding of a number of transferable skills and practice applying these to new situations, developing analytical and problem solving skills. Through studying music, you will be equipped with the skills to succeed in your next steps.

What will you learn?

Component 1 Performing 30% Teacher assessed 

• A minimum of two pieces, lasting a total of 4-6 minutes, recorded in the year of assessment: One piece must be an ensemble (group piece) lasting at least one minute, one piece linked to an Area of Study (see below).

• Grade 3 music is the standard level and can score full marks if played perfectly.

• You can use any instrument or voice, or choose a technology option. 

Component 2 Composing 30% Teacher assessed 

Two pieces:

• One in response to a brief set by Eduqas (OCR from 2025) – there are 4 to choose from each year.

• One free composition – ANY style you want to write in. 

Component 3 Appraising 40% Externally assessed examination.

This is a listening examination: 8 questions based on the following areas of study: 

• AoS 1 Musical Forms and Devices (including a set work*) 

• AoS 2 Music for Ensemble 

• AoS 3 Film Music 

• AoS 4 Popular Music (including a set work*)

After the course

The possibilities are endless. Music will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities are looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life. 

Course Requirements

• You need to be confident enough to perform in front of other people 

• You must be prepared to practise and perform with others as part of a group

• You don't need to have taken any formal music exams to be enrolled on the course

• However, you will need to have private 1-1 lessons during the course.