What the students say

Here you will find some comments, about the course, from some of our past year 13 students

"Teachers go above and beyond"

"The media department at QE works hard to provide the best learning experience for their students possible – the teachers are extremely supportive, and willing to go above and beyond to find the most effective learning strategies for their students, even in extreme circumstances. Resources are always easily available through google classroom. The course also provides interesting trips such as to London and New York, where you will be given the opportunity to learn more about the media industry. The topics always prove to be interesting, particularly music videos and long form tv drama, where you can learn how visual media works to provide meaning."

"Enjoyable and enlightening experience"

‘Studying A-level Media has been an enjoyable and enlightening experience, giving me a new perspective on politics and culture. I particularly enjoyed the topics regarding the media industry and how conglomerates regulated and distributed their content differently depending on the type of media they produced. In addition, even though I am not going on to study a Media related degree, this course and the teachers involved still provided me with the help and support I needed to receive an offer for my first choice university.’

"Inspired me"

"I really enjoyed studying radio, Big Issue and news. The teaching methods meant I had to think for myself, challenging images and ideas in the media. Teachers are always happy to help and are approachable. I could go to them about anything, not just media. There are so many opportunities available such as trips, guest speakers and work experience. I really enjoyed the fashion promotion day at Sunderland University. I have developed so many employability skills and learnt so much from the talks by Katrina and Tommy. The course has inspired me and cemented the idea that I want to work in the media and the media industry, going on to study digital media at University of Leeds."

"It's surprising how many other A level subjects media compliments"

The skills you learn in the media are so transferable. Communication skills, independent working, teamwork and time management are all desirable skills for any line of employment. More subject specific, there's a huge focus on creativity in the coursework element of the course. It's surprising how many other A level subjects media compliments. I do psychology and the media theories you learn about often link with psychology such as how media impacts us as an audience.

"Access to support is amazing"

The teaching has been incredible. I'd say media is probably the A level I’ve found the most difficult but the way the subject is taught - the range and variety of activities means it is really accessible. The access to support is amazing, you can email your teachers anytime and if you miss a lesson or want to look back over work there's all the lesson powerpoints on the media site as well as past exam papers. If you need help then the teacher will always have time to help you.

"I feel so prepared for University"

I feel so prepared, for my psychology degree, knowing I have time management skills from coursework deadlines which will help me in dissertations and essays, essay writing due to the essay based questions we do in media as well exam techniques and the ability to form academic essays. Media has helped me develop independent learning skills, listening skills and critical thinking skills.

"Insight into how production works"

I’d say my favorite topic on the course has probably been long form tv drama, discussing the differences between the two set dramas has been so interesting, especially when applying theory. It's so interesting to then watch Netflix at home and pick out all the different theories in what you're watching. I’ve personally been on the London media trip where we visited the Warner Bros studios, watched a west end show and did an animation workshop with Chocolate Films. This was such a fun trip, and it was so interesting to see the production and set of Harry Potter. I’ve also visited Teesside University and took part in a photoshop master class which helped massively with coursework. We also visited their TV studio which gave us a real insight into how production works.

"lots of opportunities for students to gain industry experience"

There's always a lot of opportunities for students to gain industry experience, and everything is posted in google classroom or e-mailed out to ensure everyone has the opportunity to gain experience. There's also a college magazine which is put together totally by media students, and overseen by Nicola, this is a great way to gain experience of creating a media product and developing your own personal portfolio of work. There’s always industry talks students can go to. I attended one with Katrin Luder who is the social media manager of Missguided. This was a super fun talk and was so interesting to hear about how the fashion industry works, especially in the marketing aspect.

"best resources and encourage you to meet your targets"

The teachers on the Media Studie course are outstanding as they give you the best resources and encourage you to meet your targets. Also if you feel as though you need more help, they offer a lunchtime and after college revision session to help you back on track.

The course has provided us with a number of fantastic opportunities like London, New York as well as other opportunities like work experience in fashion design and promotion and radio production. During the course of the subject I have developed a range of employability skills such as public speaking and communication skills when doing presentation and group work. In addition the subject has taught me to be resilient. The teachers encouraged me to aim high and work hard. As a result I have seen my grades steadily increase.

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