Media

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum map

Intent: why do we teach what we teach? 

Media Studies is an important, vital subject. It is key that students know how to “read the media'' and learn how to decode messages presented by various media products. Media is embedded in our daily lives, so students need to be equipped with the tools to keep them safe online, aware of harmful representations and have a good understanding of how the media industry works.

Media Studies will help students to develop valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, research and planning, practical skills, creativity, time management, essay writing skills and more. Media Studies will complement and assist their learning in other subjects such as English Language and Literature, Humanities, Sociology, and ICT.

Over one hundred universities offer courses in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies in the UK. There is a huge array of career opportunities in the media, which is an industry that is growing at an exponential rate.

My aim is to create a Media suite so students can develop technical skill on industry standard software (Premier Pro/Photoshop). This will open the doors to many job opportunities in digital creative arts, making it easier for students to compete against other media students in the UK. It will also allow personal creative development.

 

Implementation: how do we teach what we teach? 

Media Studies students will learn how to analyse, how media products use language and representations to create meaning. They will learn about the media industry and how the industry affects how media products are made. They will investigate media audiences, exploring who are the people who watch, read and consume the products and will consider how different people might respond to products differently, and why. They will study many different media forms, such as:

·        Television

·        Online Media Advertising and Marketing

·        Film Marketing

·        Magazines

·        Newspapers

·        Social and Participatory Media

·        Music Video

·        Radio

·        Video Games

Studies will be taught various media theories and will learn to understand and apply the relevant theories to various media products.

Students will also have the opportunity to apply what they have learned through the production of their own media texts, exploring and creating media forms such as music videos, magazines, television, websites and film marketing. This will help students to embed and recall their previous learning. 

Impact: how do we know what pupils have learnt and how well they have learnt it?

Students' learning will be assessed through a variety of means. There will be in-class tests, to check their understanding of keywords and theories. Students will complete end of unit assessments, which will consist of a practice exam question and a practical task e.g., create a movie poster. This will prepare students for their final exams:

·        Component 1 – Written examination – 2 hours 15 minutes – 35%

·        Component 2– Written examination – 2 hours 30 minutes – 35%

·        Non-Exam Assessment – Cross media production – 30%