Media Studies

Key Stage 4 :: Key Stage 5 :: Contact

In an age when messages are communicated to mass audiences at the touch of a button, it is important to understand who the producers of these ideas are and how the technology that presents such information works.

At Eastbrook, we aim to develop our students’ understanding so that they can begin to investigate these questions for themselves. We do this by:

• applying theoretical ideas to real media practice
• encouraging the students’ own media production

Our definition of ‘media’ includes traditional forms such as film, television, newspapers, magazines, popular culture and advertising as well the many internet-based varieties of ‘new media’ technology. We aim to keep students up-to-date with how new media developments influence contemporary society.

Media Studies is a popular option choice at GCSE and A Level

Key Stage 4

At GCSE, students follow the AQA syllabus. This is assessed in two ways:

50 % coursework	Students investigate media formats/ institutions such as tabloid newspapers, sitcoms, lifestyle magazines and the Hollywood film industry; they go on to use technology to produce their own media texts.
50 % examination	There is a focus on a specific media form. For past examinations, students have investigated Local Radio, The Music Press, TV Advertising and Comedy Films

Key Stage 5

At A Level, students follow the OCR syllabus. This is also examined by 50% coursework and 50% examination. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of media industries and learn more advanced production techniques.

The Eastbrook Media student can expect to learn a variety of skills beyond media knowledge. They will learn how to become creative thinkers and to plan projects ­– sometimes as a team – with design awareness. They will become experienced in desktop publishing, digital photography, image manipulation, and at A Level, film production. They will also learn how to communicate their understanding effectively in coursework essays, weblogs and, importantly, examinations.

Whilst we are always very pleased when our students begin to question the power of the mass media for themselves, we are particularly proud of those who have gone on to follow media courses in higher education, or indeed, take up careers in the media.

Contact

Head of Department - AndersonG@eastbrook.bardaglea.org.uk