Media Studies

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR MEDIA STUDIES

Media Studies students at Charters school will be able to analyse and appreciate the craft involved in communicating media messages in a global arena. They will be able to decode implicit and explicit messages across a range of media, recognising bias and demonstrate understanding concerning how representations are constructed for a specific purpose and audience. They will analyse media language which will inform their own design, filming and editing choices ensuring their cross-media productions target specific audiences. They will be encouraged to explore and apply media theory, research industrial context and work with media professionals to gain experience and insight concerning a media career.

This means:

• They will develop an analytical approach to texts, decoding media language
• They will apply media theory and use media terminology in their own explanations
• They will research and examine industrial context to fully understand the influence on production of media texts
• They will produce their own cross-media productions targeting a specific audience
• They will take advantage of opportunities to work with media professionals

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

The WJEC Eduqas Media Studies A Level is designed to introduce students to a range of media forms in terms of a specific theoretical framework which consists of: media language, representation, media industries and audiences. Students will have the opportunity to study a range of media texts in depth, analysing how media texts communicate meaning and how they relate to wider historical contexts. They will examine and apply theoretical approaches and theories to support critical exploration and reflection, analysis and debate. For the full framework, they will study: newspapers, magazines, television, online, social and participatory media. Advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games will be studied in relation to selected areas of the framework.

Production work is a crucial part of this A Level and is integral to learners’ study of media. Students will have the opportunity to apply their understanding in their own cross-media production.

COURSE DETAILS

Component 1: In this component, students will develop knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the theoretical framework – media language and representation assessing media language and representation in relation to two of the following media forms: advertising, marketing, music video or newspapers. They will also develop understanding of Media Industries and Audiences and assessment for this will be on two of the following media forms – advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio, video games – and media contexts.

Students will study products from specific media industries and for specific audiences, set by the examination board, to develop their knowledge and understanding of those areas of the theoretical framework. They will also explore how media products relate to their social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts.

Component 2: For this component, students are required to study three media forms in depth, exploring all areas of the theoretical framework – media language, representation, media industries, and audiences – in relation to audio-visual, print and online products set by WJEC. Students will study examples of • television • magazines • blogs and websites selected by the examination board.
Students will explore these three media forms through close analysis of the set products, comparing their use of media language and the representations they offer in relation to relevant social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts. Students will study the role of media industries in shaping media products, as well as considering the way in which both mass and specialised audiences are targeted and addressed

Component 3: For this component, students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the framework in their own cross-media production. The production must be based on two media forms and completed in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC. This must be accompanied with a written Statement and Aims that outlines their aims and intentions for their cross-media production. 500 words. This will be assessed with the cross-media production and will enable students to explain the ways in which they will apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to the production and target the intended audience.

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: WJEC EDUQAS

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