Media Studies

Key Stage 5

What can students do to develop their skills in this subject area?

• Students can practise using cameras in their own time in preparation for the coursework element of the qualification.
• Reading national newspapers, both broadsheet and tabloid in order to keep abreast of social and technological issues.
• Engaging with online news/apps to keep up to date with current affairs.
• Watching recent film trailers and completing independent analysis of them.
• Engaging in any media content (films, tv shows, radio, etc.)
• Engaging in projects around the Academy such as assisting at Presentation Evenings, Taster Days, Open Days, the compilation of Academy promotional videos.
• Assist with the KS4 Photoshop Club and other extra-curricular activities that involve creativity in photography, moving image and sound.
• Read around key media concepts and critical debates.
• Extended reading of the work of media theorists.
• Using youtube to access advanced photography and Photoshop techniques.
• Complete independent work on breaking down text into use of codes and conventions, considering how meaning is created and the purpose/effect on the audience.
• Go beyond their comfort zone to broaden understanding of genre, representation, narrative, institution and media language.

What wider reading can be completed to support the curriculum?

• WJEC/Eduqas Media Studies for A Level Yr. 1 & AS: Student Book.
• WJEC/Eduqas Media Studies for A Level Yr. 2 & A2: Student Book.
• Key Concepts & Skills for Media Studies - Vivienne Clark, James Baker and Eileen Lewis.
• WJEC AS Media Revision Guide - Illuminate Publishing – Christine Bell.
• WJEC A2 Media Revision Guide - Illuminate Publishing – Christine Bell.

What websites could students visit to support the curriculum?

www.museumsassociation.org
www.mediaknowall.com
www.theory.org.uk

How can parents/carers help and what can be done at home?

• Discuss the media and its influence on society with your son or daughter. Discuss key issues and ideas evident in the news, in magazines and in on-line articles.
• There are often extension activities as part of your son's or daughter's set homework projects, or ambitious ways of approaching their individual projects. Ask your son or daughter to share how they intend to challenge themselves!
• Watch films related to key themes of media exploration in the Academy and discuss the ideas explored.
• Visit places of interest to support study of concepts: local newspaper offices; Warner Brothers Studios; National Science and Media Museum.
• Encourage your son or daughter to become involved in amateur theatre production to complete technical work such as filming, sound and lighting.