Subject: Media Studies

Teacher in Charge: Ms Sarah Graham   sarah.graham@wdsg.school.nz

Media Studies is for students who are curious about film, television, social media, advertising, music videos, journalism, pop culture and the powerful role media plays in shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us. 

Media is everywhere, and this subject gives students the tools to understand how it works, why it matters, and how meaning is carefully constructed through image, sound, editing, storytelling, genre and representation.

Students will explore how media texts influence audiences, reflect social values, challenge ideas and shape public conversations. They will learn to think critically about the messages they consume every day, question bias and stereotypes, and consider whose voices and perspectives are being represented, excluded or reimagined.

Media Studies also gives students opportunities to be creative and practical. Through planning, filming, editing and producing their own media work, students develop skills in collaboration, communication, visual storytelling, research, problem-solving and creative decision-making. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media and AI-generated content, these skills are more important than ever. Media Studies supports students to become thoughtful media consumers, confident creators and critical thinkers, opening pathways into fields such as film and television, journalism, marketing, communications, design, social media, education, business, law, politics and the creative industries.