Summary

Media Studies is offered at Key Stage 5 at Gordon’s School; students complete examinations with AQA. It engages students in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework: language, representation, industries and audiences. 

Students are required to study media products from all the following media forms: audio-visual (including TV, film, radio, advertising and marketing) online forms (social and participatory media) print forms (newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing) and produce some of their own. It is a fascinating area for study which helps foster creativity and develop an enquiring approach to contemporary issues and debates.

Course details

Year 12 

Paper One: AS Media Studies engages students in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework*: Students are required to study media products from all the following media forms:
audio-visual forms (TV, film, radio, advertising and marketing, video games and music video).
online forms (social and participatory media, video games, music video, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing).
print forms (newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing)

Non-exam Assessment (NEA): To complete the NEA, students must independently create a statement of intent and a media product in response to brief set by AQA. This brief will be released on 1 June before the start of the course via Secure Key Materials and will change annually

Year 13

Paper One: Questions will focus on issues and debates in the media. A topic will be released in advance of the exam. Students will be expected to use any relevant elements of the theoretical framework in order to explore the ideas in the paper

Paper Two: Questions will focus on the analysis of media products, through the lens of the theoretical framework. Students will be expected to refer to the Close Study Products (CSPs) provided by AQA and other subjects they have studied

Non-exam Assessment (NEA): Students must produce a statement of intent and cross-media products made for an intended audience

Entry Criteria

GCSE grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.

Head of Department: Mrs Hughes  shughes@gordons.school