A Thriving Haven of Creativity: The Media Department: Venture into the dynamic realm of the Media Department, a hub pulsating with excitement. Our meticulously designed curriculum is a gateway to equipping students with the analytical and creative prowess required for triumph at the GCSE level.
Exploring the Media World: Unveiling Key Stages 4 & 5: Media studies across key stages 4 and 5 is a captivating journey that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the media universe. It goes beyond mere study of products and industry, fostering a reflective outlook on how contemporary media mirrors societal ethos, shaping perceptions and ideologies. The very essence of society's reflection, representation, control, design, and existence through media is explored, forging unmistakable links with other curriculum subjects.
Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries: A Holistic Approach: The analytical nature of media studies fosters a cross-disciplinary attitude to learning, extending the horizons of students' perspectives. This broader view is crucial to grasp the dynamics of a rapidly evolving field.
Navigating the Contemporary: Shaping Thought and Action: With its inherently contemporary nature, media studies empowers students to effectively engage with society. It instils an awareness of social dynamics and individual roles within it. Furthermore, the curriculum cultivates political literacy, encouraging exploration of political ideologies across the spectrum.
A Glimpse into Subject Content: Guided by AQA: Subject content is guided by the AQA syllabus, encapsulated within the Close Study Product (CSP) booklet—a comprehensive resource for students and teachers alike. This CSP forms 70% of the qualification, providing a structured foundation for exploration.
Embracing Theory and Practical Application: CSP and Coursework: The CSP, a predefined product, is a canvas where theoretical application finds its home. While it poses a challenge for temporal alignment with the school curriculum, valuable links between subjects are forged, reinforcing interdisciplinary learning. Coursework, undertaken with modern construction methods, reinforces the values and ideologies outlined in our mission statement.
Elevating Literacy: A Cornerstone of Media Studies: Literacy is the cornerstone of Media Studies. Our commitment to nurturing and enhancing literacy skills is paramount. Complex language structures underpin the theoretical framework, with terminology like "paradigm," "syntagm," "equilibrium," "binary opposition," and more becoming familiar friends. The literacy golden thread weaves through assessments, amplifying grades awarded and fostering accuracy in students' writing.
Demystifying Vocabulary: Power in Words: We strive to demystify vocabulary, making it accessible. Media-specific terminology takes on cross-curricular significance, empowering students to recognise derivatives and their universal applicability.
Join us on this transformative journey, where creativity and analysis converge to unveil the tapestry of media's influence on society and the world.
Key Stage 4
Evolution in Education: A New Horizon for KS4 Curriculum
Embracing Change for Enhanced Learning: A Glimpse into KS4 Curriculum: In line with the evolving landscape of GCSE education, the KS4 curriculum is set to undergo transformation in September 2017. The forthcoming changes are poised to enrich the learning experience, aligning it with modern demands and pedagogical advancements.
A Shift Towards Examination Emphasis: Balanced Assessment Approach: The revamped GCSE structure will usher in a more exam-oriented format, emphasizing the significance of comprehensive knowledge and adept examination skills. This shift will see a refined balance between coursework and examination, with examinations accounting for 70% of the overall assessment and coursework constituting 30%.
Guided by Rigorous Areas of Study: Crafting a Comprehensive Assessment: Both coursework and examination will be rooted in meticulously chosen areas of study, meticulously curated by the examination board. This strategic alignment ensures that the curriculum remains robust and reflective of contemporary demands.
Unveiling the Examination Experience: Diverse Question Formats: The examination, now a cornerstone of the GCSE experience, will encompass a spectrum of question formats. From multiple choice to stepped questions, and concise short answer assessments, a versatile range of tools will be utilized to gauge students' understanding and application.
Drawing from Pre-Studied Topics: Showcasing Depth of Knowledge: The examination journey will delve into pre-studied topic areas, allowing students to showcase their depth of knowledge and insight. By venturing into the realms of well-explored subject matter, students will unveil their command over foundational concepts.
A Roadmap to Success: The Future of KS4 Learning: As we stride into this new era of GCSE education, our commitment remains unwavering—to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability necessary to excel. The evolution of the KS4 curriculum stands as a testament to our dedication to nurturing well-rounded learners, poised to thrive in the modern academic landscape and beyond.
Empowering Achievement through Dedicated Support: Elevating Learning Beyond Boundaries
Intervention: Guided Pathways to Excellence Our commitment to fostering academic success is reflected through tailored intervention lessons, meticulously designed to guide and uplift our students. These sessions serve as invaluable opportunities for targeted learning, ensuring that high levels of achievement are consistently maintained.
Embracing Growth: Voluntary Drop-In Sessions We recognize the diverse needs of our students, and to further empower them, we offer voluntary drop-in sessions. These sessions provide a flexible platform for students to seek additional support, aligning with their unique learning journey and nurturing their progress.
Unveiling the Magic of Cinema: Film Club at Your Reach At the heart of our holistic approach lies the Film Club—an exciting avenue for exploration and engagement. Held during lunchtimes in our vibrant library, this club offers students an enriching cinematic experience that goes beyond entertainment, sparking conversations and nurturing a deeper understanding of media.
Elevate Your Media Journey: Wednesday Support Sessions Dedicated to the advancement of our media enthusiasts, our Wednesday Media Intervention and Coursework Support sessions provide a nurturing space for growth. From 3:00pm to 4:30pm, students can immerse themselves in focused assistance, ensuring a solid foundation for success.
In our pursuit of excellence, we stand by our promise to go above and beyond in nurturing our students' academic growth. Through these initiatives, we're committed to creating an environment where every learner thrives and realizes their true potential.
Further Reading
Online Resources:
Media Know All (http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/gcse.php) - This website provides comprehensive resources for both GCSE and A-level Media Studies. It includes study materials, case studies, and interactive content.
BBC Bitesize - Media Studies (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/ztnygk7) - Explore BBC Bitesize for Media Studies resources, including videos, articles, and quizzes that align with the curriculum.
YouTube Channels:
CrashCourse - Media Literacy (https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse) - CrashCourse offers a series of videos on media literacy, exploring topics like advertising, news, and media analysis.
The Film Theorists (https://www.youtube.com/c/FilmTheorists) - This channel delves into the analysis of movies and TV shows, offering insights into storytelling and media production.
Magazines and Journals:
Media Magazine (https://www.media-magazine.com/) - A dedicated magazine for Media Studies students, featuring articles, case studies, and analysis of contemporary media.
Sight & Sound (https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound) - The British Film Institute's magazine offers in-depth analysis of cinema, making it useful for film studies within Media Studies.
Quizzes and Interactive Learning:
Quizlet - Media Studies (https://quizlet.com/subject/media-studies/) - Explore a range of Media Studies flashcards and quizzes to test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Sporcle - Media Studies Quizzes (https://www.sporcle.com/games/tags/mediastudies) - Sporcle offers a collection of quizzes related to media topics, allowing you to challenge your understanding.
