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Mrs G Anderson, BA PGCE PQH (NI) (Subject Leader)
Mrs G Youle, BA PGCE
All students have the option of choosing to study GCSE Media Studies, following the AQA Specification.
GCSE Media Studies is also offered as an option and is studied alongside GCSE English as a combined subject throughout Years 11 & 12. This course takes a blended approach and is offered as an alternative to GCSE English and GCSE English Literature.
The course is divided into 2 units:
Unit 1 is assessed by examination at the end of Year 12 (worth 40%)
Unit 2 is Controlled Assessment involving 3 Portfolio tasks (worth 60%)
All students can access the top Grade (A*) and support is offered after school and during lunch time. Some students are required to avail of support during school holidays to ensure that all work is produced to the highest standards. Students are also supported through intensive study days prior to the GCSE examination.
All students have the option of choosing to study A level Media Studies, following the AQA Specification. There is no requirement for students to have prior experience of this subject when making their selection at A Level. Nevertheless it is advisable that those who have undertaken GCSE Media Studies achieve at least a grade B before considering the study of this subject at A Level.
In order for students to fulfill their potential in this A level, it is best when they have a genuine interest in the Media Industry, a creative approach to their work, an interest or aptitude in ICT and a good level of written communication.
The course is divided into 4 Units which are evenly weighted and evenly spread across the two years:
1: Investigating Media- Written examination (50% of AS, 25% of A Level)
2: Creating Media- Coursework with set brief (50% of AS, 25% of A Level)
3: Critical Perspectives- Written examination (25% of A Level)
4: Research and Production- Coursework (25% of A Level)
Students are encouraged to work independently and develop analytical and production skills however support is offered through one-to-one mentoring, detailed work schedules and regular assessment for improvement.
A Level students also have access to the Mac Suite to encourage them to use Industry Standard software and work in an industrial environment.
Film Critics Club is offered where there is student demand. Students meet monthly during second and third term to watch and review a film after school. The aim of Film Critics Club is to allow students to share their passion for films with their peers, develop their analytical skills and further their ability to form and express opinions.
Homework & Core Assessments
Students are encouraged to have a broad and balanced experience of a range of media products across a variety of platforms throughout their study of GCSE and A Level Media. It is imperative that students meet all set deadlines and follow given advice in order to minimise stress and ensure the highest marks may be achieved.
GCSE Homework Requirements
During Year 11, students are initially expected to undertake shorter Homework tasks before beginning to write more lengthy analytical responses. The aim of this is to develop their written analytical skills. When students begin to undertake Controlled Assessments in Year 11 and then in Year 12, they may be asked to undertake preparatory work at home such as taking photographs or sketching storyboards as well as beginning early drafts of Controlled Assessment. Students will be expected to conduct independent research in preparation for the Case Study which is assessed through examination at the end of Year 12.
A Level Homework Requirements
As there is a significant theoretical component to A Level Media Studies, students are expected to independently revise terminology and theory on a regular basis. Students will be given topic tests during Year 13 and regular practice questions to prepare them for their examination. These will form the basis of their WAG (Working At Grades) and ATL (Attitude Towards Learning) data. In Year 14 students are required to undertake independent research extending beyond the classroom as well as maintaining an awareness of Current affairs and Industrial Developments. Students will also be given practice examination questions in the third term.
AQA Website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/media-studies
General Support: http://www.mediaed.org.uk
Video Games: http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution
Youtube: http://youtube.com/mediaedu Media Studies related entries
Music: http://www.soundgenerator.com Popular music site
British Films: http://www.britmovie.co.uk/forums/media-studies
http://www.britfilm.com
TV archives: http://archives.museum.tv
http://www.80snostalgia.com
TV Music: http://www.tellytunes.com
TV History: http://www.museum.tv
News: http://www.channel4.com/learning/breakingthenews/index
Learning Resources http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/media_studies.shtml
Industry News: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk
http://www.aintitcool.com
Theory: http://www.aber.ac.uk/media
http://www.theory.org.uk/
Ethics: http://www.mediaethicsmagazine.com
Narrative structures: http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/smc/journey/index.html
Digital Storytelling: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tellinglives
Film: http://mediaquestions.blogspot.com/ Mediascapes
http://www.bfi.org.uk/ British Film Institute
http://www.filmeducation.org.uk UK Film education site
http://www.firstlightmovies.com Young film-makers site
http://www.afi.com/ American Film Institute
http://www.screenonline.org.uk
http://www.script-o-rama.com
http://uk.imdb.com
http://www.empireonline.com
http://www.bbc.co.uk/film/
Careers in Media: http://www.careersa-z.co.uk
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