Media Studies is an academic discipline that focuses on the content, history and effects of various media: in particular, the ‘mass media’. Media Studies draw on traditions from both the social sciences and humanities. As technology develops, the importance of education in the field of Media Studies and Mass Communication continues to grow exponentially.
Media is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, analytical, research, and communication skills, through exploring a range of media forms and perspectives.
Did You Know?
• There are 845 million monthly active users on Facebook
• If Facebook were a country, it would be the 3rd largest behind China and India
• Twitter is currently seeing about 50 million tweets per day (600 Tweets per second)
• There are 31 Billion searches on Google every month
• The number of texts sent everyday exceeds the population of the planet
• It is estimated that a week’s worth of the New York Times contains more information than a person was likely to come across in a lifetime in
the 18th century.
So Media matters! We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented yet, in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.
Students pick Media for its relevance to their lives and for the opportunities it provides for exploring contemporary issues through the use of different Media in creative and practical ways.
Through Media students will find contemporary, diverse topics and varied and engaging content. This will help develop research and problem-solving skills as well as creativity. Students also refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives.
By studying the Media, students can view, evaluate and analyse a variety of Media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of Media forms. These forms include magazines, advertising and marketing, newspapers, online, social and participatory Media, video games, radio, music video, film and many more. Students develop practical skills, becoming accomplished photographers, cinematographers and both still image and video editors.
The Media Dept aim to turn potential into achievement and success by:
• providing a caring and safe environment in which pupils can develop key skills in Media,
social interaction, performance, digital arts and creativity.
• prepare pupils for society that is already dependent on Media Technology
• provide opportunities to make a significant contribution to a individuals personal, social,
health and citizenship education.
Media in education not only teaches knowledge, but upskills our students significantly. We aim to provide transferable skills in problem solving & planning, managing information, working with others, communication and presentation skills, Maths and ICT, all of which help prepare students for any career they may choose.
But most important to our Media Department is that students enjoy what they learn here, grow in confidence, showcase their creativity, and achieve with their skills.
Media in Action
Our Media Department operates from a purpose build room just off the main school foyer. The room boasts a unique environment where students feel comfortable, supported and encouraged to express their creativity and individuality.
The room itself comprises of modern adjustable chairs with traditional desks and surrounding computer stations. The impressive collection of iMacs ensure that our students are working with the latest up to date hardware and software. This is where the magic happens. Students will learn how to video edit using Final Cut Pro/Adobe Premier, music recording and editing with Garageband, and image editing with Photoshop, and other Apple software. Other dept resources include 5 Canon HD Legrias, 2 Canon IXUS 105 and several tripods. We also have an external Hama zoom universal mic for all of our live shoots.
The classroom has a fully interactive board which often exhibits students work, this is most rewarding when the school is open to external visitors such as Open Night. Many of the products and works can be found on Youtube @delasallemedia.
Our Media Studies department has been instrumental in school productions since 2010. Both live performances and moving image products have received great reviews in the local press.
'Downpatrick school celebrates as video becomes an overnight internet sensation'
Mourne Observer
'School deserves great credit for performance'
Down Recorder
Both GCSE and A Level Media engage in a Theoretical Framework that encourages students to engage and understand in the processes involved in media creation, supported by related studies, social histories and academic thinkers associated with these processes. The framework also focuses on the study of traditional concepts rooted in media forms, these include Representation, Media Language, Industries, Target Audiences and genre. Theoretical considerations include:
• Social contexts – these include the broader attitudes and fashions at the time the product
was created. How closely does the product reflect (or subvert) the values, attitudes, and
expectations of the audience, both at the time of release and when considered today?
• Cultural contexts – these include a consideration of how a particular product fits into the
broader media landscape of its time. How closely does the product reflect (or subvert)
other products/content?
• Historical contexts – these include an understanding of the broader factors which influenced a product’s creation. How does the product reflect the time in which it was produced?
• Political contexts – these relate both to the specific impact of government regulation and
influence/interference on the media. Also the broader social politics of representation and
changing social attitudes.
Media is a very popular choice at GCSE with many students hoping to continue study into Post 16 and A Level Media.
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.
Clear progression to A-level, higher education and beyond
We've bridged the gap between GCSE, AS and A-level, giving students the skills and experience to better prepare them for the demands of AS and A-level if they choose to progress with the study of media.
What's assessed
Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
magazines
advertising and marketing
newspapers
online, social and participatory media and video games.
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
radio
music video
newspapers
online, social and participatory media and video games
film (industries only).
How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
84 marks
35% of GCSE
Questions
A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
An extended response question (20 marks).
What's assessed
Section A will be based on a screening from an extract of one of the television Close Study Products and can test any area of the theoretical framework.
Section B will be based on either newspapers or online, social and participatory media and video games and can test any area of the framework.
How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
84 marks
35% of GCSE
Questions
Short, medium and extended response questions assessing depth of knowledge and understanding of the course.
Non-exam assessment: creating a media product
What's assessed
Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
Ability to create media products.
How it's assessed
A choice of one of five annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
60 marks
30% of GCSE
Assessed by teachers
Moderated by AQA.
Tasks
Students produce:
a statement of intent
a media product for an intended audience.
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.
It is important for students when written assessments are clear, well-structured and easy for them to understand. Students will enjoy the variety of question styles used in assessments, which include both short and extended answer questions.
There are exciting non-exam assessment briefs that provide clear guidance and support to help students to create media products which they can be truly proud of.
Clear progression to higher education and beyond
AS and A-level Media Studies give students transferable skills for future careers and experience that prepares them if they choose to progress with their study.
What's assessed
Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section will test the following forms:
advertising and marketing
music video.
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
radio
newspapers
film (industries only).
How it's assessed
Written exam: 2 hours
84 marks
35% of A-level
Questions
A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
Two essay questions (20 marks), one of which is an extended response question.
What's assessed
Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online, social and participatory media/video games.
How it's assessed
Written exam: 2 hours
84 marks
35% of A-level
Questions
One medium length unseen analysis question.
Three essay questions (25 marks), one of which is an extended response question and one of which is a synoptic question.
Non-exam assessment: Creating a cross-media production
What's assessed
Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
Ability to create media products.
How it's assessed
A choice of one of six annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
60 marks
30% of A-level
Assessed by teachers
Moderated by AQA
Tasks
Students produce:
a statement of intent
a cross-media production made for an intended audience.
Our Media Studies department is one of the most vibrant and forward thinking in the school. It offers a unique and progressive way to learn, a way that is contemporary and relevant to life. Led by Mr D Cherry (HOD), the department strives to get the very best out of every student, tailoring education to their needs and providing them with the skills for the jobs of the future. Relevant career opportunities in Media are vast (and studying with us is just the first step in making a career opportunity a reality.
Advertising
Broadcast Journalist
Cinematographer
Photographer
Newspaper Journalist
Public Relations Officer
Social Media Manager
Television Producer
TV/Film camera operator
Theatrical Producer
Video Editor
Web Editor
Teacher
Video Games Developer/Tester
Radio DJ/Producer
Music Editor
Actor
Magazine Journalist
Game Design
And many more…
Reality of Fear
The Blood Lake
Meat Headz
MonoGayME
Ace Ekland - Grow Up
Classical Fusion - Feargus Bannon
Downpatrick Racecourse Advert
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