Media Studies

Course summary

Media literacy is arguably one of the most important skills for pupils to possess. The contemporary media landscape is transient and fluid. Media Studies provides pupils with the knowledge and understanding to navigate complex sets of messages and ideologies. In order to achieve this pupils will engage with both historical and contemporary media products in order to fully appreciate the media in terms of its past, present and future. Textual analysis, theoretical approaches and critical debate underpin the course across two years of study. Pupils will extend their practical skills, build their capacity for independent research, and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. Through studying Media Studies pupils will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. Pupils will study contemporary, diverse and varied texts coupled with engaging content, helping pupils to develop research and problem-solving skills as well as their creativity. They’ll also refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives. Core content will focus on the following aspects which form the theoretical framework: 1. Media language 2. Media representation 3. Media industries 4. Media audiences 5. Media theory 6. Media issues and debates