media studies

Media Studies is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages learners to develop their creative, analytical, research and communication skills.

This course is designed to give you an introduction to a range of media forms and perspectives. Every day we are exposed to varying and sometimes conflicting messages from television, films, newspapers, advertisements, social media. Media Studies equips you with the skills necessary to understand, analyse and critique these messages and the impact they have on our attitudes and perceptions.

At GCSE, you will focus on a range of close study products across different mediums and analyse the way in which they fit in to a historical and contemporary media landscape. 

The course is essay based, so you must be prepared for extended written tasks. In addition, you will undertake group work, discussion based tasks, and independent research. For your non-exam assessment, you will have the opportunity to work creatively to produce your own media products using software such as Canva and Photoshop. 

All of us are exposed to the media on a daily basis, and as such the subject will be relevant and accessible to all learners. However, Media Studies may be particularly suited to learners with an interest in the Arts and other creative subjects. Analysis of media texts is a fundamental part of the course; this is a skill that overlaps with English Language and Literature. Media analysis may also work well with subjects such as History, Psychology, Drama and Business Studies, while the creative aspects of the course will complement Art, Graphics, and IT. 

The Media Studies Single GCSE course consists of:

Component 1 –   Written paper (35% of GCSE grade) - an examination that will be taken at the end of Cohort 11.

Component 2 –   Written paper 2 (35% of GCSE grade) - an examination that will be taken at the end of Cohort 11.

Component 3 –   Non-exam assessment (30%) - an individual practical production completed during Cohort 10 and 11.

Your work will be assessed and graded throughout the year in conjunction with two exams at the end of Cohort 11, a mock exam in the first term of Cohort 11, as well as the final exam/s in the Summer Term.  There are no tiers of study for Media Studies; everyone sits the same papers.

The non-exam assessment consists of a practical, creative accompanied by a written statement of intent that demonstrates your research, planning and evaluative skills.

You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts in Media Studies: representation, audience, language and industry..  You will gain an insight into your ability level with regular marks from independent study as well as coursework grades and learning conversations.

Media Studies is offered as an A-Level at Colchester Sixth Form College, and learners obtaining at least a 4 at GCSE English or Media are encouraged to take up this option.

Media Studies continues to be a very popular subject both at GCSE and A level.  There are many options and combinations available at university or college.  As well as a Media Studies degree, there are courses offered in Film Studies, Communications, Cultural Studies, Journalism, Desk Top Publishing, Camera Operating and Directing.

This subject has been available to learners at Honywood School for some time now and every year it has proved to be very popular.  It is important to remember that this course will require you to be creative and analytical.

Miss Golding, Subject Leader for Media Studies (hgolding@honywoodschool.com)