For further information about Media Studies at St John's please contact P Barber (pbarber@stjohnsrc.org.uk)
Curriculum information
KS4
Course Specification:
Component 1: Exploring the Media
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
40% of qualification
Section A: Exploring Media Language and Representation
This section assesses media language and representation in relation to two of the following print media forms: magazines, marketing (film posters), newspapers, or print advertisements.
Section B: Exploring Media Industries and Audiences
This section assesses two of the following media forms: film, newspapers, radio, video games.
Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
30% of qualification
Section A: Television
One question on either media language or representation, which will be based on an extract from one of the set television programme episodes to be viewed in the examination (reference to relevant contexts may be required)
One question on media industries, audiences or media contexts.
Section B: Music (music videos and online media)
One question on either media language or representation (reference to relevant contexts may be required)
One question on media industries, audiences or media contexts.
Component 3: Creating Media Products
Non-exam assessment
30% of qualification
An individual media production for an intended audience in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of media language and representation.
Outline of Course:
In Media you will study a range of Media forms such as film, television, magazines, newspapers, radio, websites and advertising. You will be expected to engage on an analytical level, exploring how and why texts have been constructed in this way. Likewise, you will be allowed to create your own media forms, utilising your creative skills to demonstrate genre conventions.
The main submission is a ‘Production’ of your choice, researching similar products, carefully planning and preparing and finally creating your own design. Previosu examples have included: Film Posters, Music Videos, Magazines, Film Trailers etc.
This course is for those people who have strong analytical skills and can carefully deconstruct texts. Students will be able to respond in detail using a range of new Media terminology. Likewise, students will be able to use their creative skills to create new products, utilising their ICT skills to create high quality texts.
This course is excellent in preparation for the study of Media at Sixth Form and beyond. Students find that the course links well to their ICT and English skills as well as Design and Photography. A large percentage of our students go on to study Media at A-Level and many have gone on to University level study. Careers in the media, such as journalism, producing and editing, are all supported by this course.
Sixth Form Courses
This course will appeal to those students who:
- Enjoy reading a wide variety of media texts
- Have an interest in researching the historical, social, cultural, political and economic influences which have shaped the development and understanding of media texts
- Have an ability to work independently or as part of a group
- Wish to be actively engaged with media texts in order to develop informed personal responses.
- Would like to study a subject which offers a wide range of career opportunities
The nature of Media Studies as a subject makes it an ideal vehicle to assist candidates in developing skills in communication, Information Technology and teamwork. Written and oral work throughout the course will also encourage students to be effective and persuasive communicators. As a result, this subject is fundamental in preparing students for many careers including Journalism and Public Relations, Television and Radio Work, Personnel and Marketing.