Media Studies is designed to widen the intellectual horizons of the learner through the analysis of a wide range of media forms and contexts. Media studies enables learners to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the media in both a historical and contemporary context. In addition, it fosters the development of analysis, critical and reflective thinking to encourage engagement in the critical debates surrounding contemporary media. Learners also develop their skills in evaluation and comparison whilst examining the interplay between the media framework of Media language, how media texts are constructed; representation, why are they being represented in this way; industry, how does the industry function; audience, who is the media aimed at and what affect were they intending to achieve? All whilst considering academic theories such as Baudrillard’s post-modernism and Gilroy’s post-colonialism theory and different contextual factors. Some other interesting and powerful topics students explore are audience theories, identity theories and the exploration of music videos, advertising and the magazine industries; and a deep exploration of the ever changing and influential news industry, including their use of social media whilst incorporating an investigation into the importance of the social, cultural, political, historical and economical contextual factors. Year 12 -Music Videos -Magazines and Ads -The News -Radio Coursework unit focused on producing a magazine sample and research skills to do this Year 13 -Coursework finalised -Film and Gaming -Long Form TV -Theoretical Research