The Media Studies course is designed to encourage you to take a step back from the media that surrounds us and is consumed by us. It teaches you to analyse how it has been constructed to shape meanings, and influence those who use it. The course also aims to look at how audiences’ identities are being shaped by the ways in which we use media texts and the extent to which we are able to assert our own identities through modern, interactive media such as social media. You will develop a critical understanding of the media through a range of conceptual approaches in which you will develop effective research and evaluation skills. Alongside the academic side, there is a practical element where you will use what you have learned about how the media communicates, to create your own media texts. This will enable you to develop practical production skills where you can choose to make moving image, e-media or print materials. Assessment is in the form of two examinations and a practical production weighted at 70% examination and 30% production. The examinations cover a broad range of areas for which you complete in-depth studies of products and industries across the media. Please access the Ripley St Thomas Sixth Form courses section for more information https://ripleystthomas.com/sixth-form/courses/