|
Media Studies is offered as a GCSE option at Key Stage 4 and as a GCE 'A' Level for post 16 students
Aims
The mass media is rightly recognised as a major influence in all our lives. It helps shape our attitudes, values and beliefs socially and politically. It also affects our aspirations and ambitions. Media Studies, therefore, aims to enable the student to appreciate, analyse and understand the media institutions, their products and their possible effects and influences on the audience. The course will also present the student with opportunities to develop relevant practical and technological skills.
Specifically Media Studies could provide a vocational route into journalism, advertising, television, radio etc. On a broader front, it will help the development of analytical, critical and communication skills. Group activities are important in the course thus strengthening interpersonal skills.
GCSE Media Studies
Assessment Objectives
The examination will assess a candidate’s ability in the following areas:
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Analysis and Interpretation
- Production Skills
Content
The following list indicates some of the topic areas that the student will be involved in:
Image analysis, advertising, representation, audiences, video production, photography, news production, newspapers, magazines, comics, scripting for radio, film television etc.
Assessment
Each candidate is assessed on:
Coursework 50% of the marks
Controlled Test 50% of the marks
The Coursework is assessed by the department and externally moderated by the Examination Board (AQA). Candidates are required to submit three assignments, each with a practical element, and equivalent to 800 words each. In the final year they will have the option to work individually or in a group on a major practical production including a supporting account of about 750 words which includes an evaluation of the product.
The Controlled Test is externally set and assessed by AQA in the summer term of the final year of the course. The test paper comprises a case study approach based on a topic area set in advance by the examination board. Candidates are issued with the examination paper a month in advance in order to research and prepare the responses to the three hour examination.
GCE 'A' Level
Students wishing to be considered for this course need to show appropriate evidence of ability through their GCSE results. Studying and obtaining a reasonable grade in GCSE Media Studies would be an advantage but is not a compulsory requirement for entry.
The full A level is modular and follows the OCR examination board specifications. Both the AS and the A2 comprise of three modules. One is practical coursework and two are written examinations taken at the end of the respective summer terms.
Students must pass the AS level before undertaking the A2 modules in their final year to gain a full A level.
Details of all the specifications can be found at:
www.aqa.org.uk for GCSE and www.ocr.org.uk
www.filmclub.org
|
