GCSE Media Studies

GCSE Media Studies
Level: GCSE

Awarding Body: WJEC

Course Content:
Students will study a range of media industries and their outputs including film, internet, television, video, radio, the press, magazines and popular music. During the course you will investigate:

· How media representations shape our understanding of society
· How different audiences make sense of the media
· How media products are made for different purposes

The course is designed to promote awareness of the media in relation to individuals, groups and cultural issues.

Teaching Learning Methods:
Students can expect to become involved in:

· Discussion of media issues
· Studying a range of media products (films, web sites, TV, radio, magazines)
· Producing media e.g. pop videos, web sites, radio shows, magazine articles and advertising campaigns
· Writing essays and reports
· Writing scripts and storyboards
· Working individually and in groups on projects

Assessment:
Candidates are entered for either foundation tier or higher tier. Examination includes a combination of written question papers and coursework.

Question Papers (50%)
Candidates answer questions on Section A: Popular music on television or Section B: Comics. There will be four compulsory questions focusing on audio visual or still images or print.

Coursework (50%)
Candidates each submit three tasks, from at least two different media:
· Pre-production
· Production
· Textual analysis

Skills & Commitment:
All students should be able to demonstrate:

· An interest in IT or some IT literacy
· A keen interest in the media or a particular media form e.g. film or music
· A willingness to work in small groups
· An ability to work independently
· An ability to communicate well in discussions
· A willingness to put 4-6 hours own time into production work per week

All students at GCSE level should aim to achieve grade C or above.

Cost:
Students will be expected to purchase some of the materials needed for the production work including photographic film, CD's, DVD's and other items. Costs should not exceed £15 for the year.

Progression:
Other subjects which work well with Media Studies are English, Music, Theatre Studies, Sociology, Photography, Art and Design and other creative subjects.

GCSE Media Studies is not a guarantee of a career in the media - competition for media related jobs is very fierce indeed. However, GCSE Media Studies can be followed by A-Level Media Studies or a vocational course as you make your way into higher education or professional training for a media industry.