Media Studies (CAIE

Entry Requirements

You should possess a strong interest in the media, good written skills and have a willingness to offer opinions and discuss a range of issues. A readiness to undertake independent research and production is also essential.

Course Content

Y12

Component 1 – Foundation Portfolio (25%)

You will complete one set brief from the two below:

• Film opening task • Magazine task

You are expected to produce an individual blog to include digital evidence of research, planning, production and post-production. Once completed, you will reflect upon your work using digital platforms such as director commentaries and podcasts. There are four compulsory questions which must guide your reflections. You build on skills developed in component 1 to engage with contemporary media technologies. You will produce a campaign through a combination of three media (video, print and website), selecting from a choice of set briefs:

Option 1: music promotion package Option 2: film promotion package Option 3: documentary package Option 4: short film package

Once completed, you will write an evaluative essay of around 1,000 words guided by four compulsory questions.

Component 2 - Key Media Concepts Written exam – 2 hours (25%)

Section A: Media Texts You will answer one question based on an unseen moving image extract from a television drama.

Section B: Media Contexts In section B, you study a specific media industry such as film or video games. Section A: Media Debates You will answer two questions from three possible areas: media regulation, postmodern media and power and the media.

Section B: Media Ecology This is synoptic, requiring you to synthesise your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of language, representation, industry and audience, studied throughout the course.

Y13

Component 3 – Advanced Portfolio (25%)

Component 4 – Critical Perspectives Written exam – 2 hours (25%)

Media Studies at Berkhamsted

Media Studies is an exciting but demanding course. It offers a unique insight into the mass media, developing a critical understanding of media products, industries and audiences. Alongside this, students build on independent research and practical production skills, all of which are valuable tools for university and beyond. The department is exceptionally well provisioned, with high definition camcorders, green / black / white screens, a studio lighting set up, digital stills cameras and a specialist reference library. It is expected that students will immerse themselves in the many opportunities to film and photograph various school events.

Future Prospects

“In 2018 the creative industries grew jobs by 1.6 per cent, compared to the UK-wide employment increase of 0.8 per cent. Between 2011 and 2018, creative industries employment has mushroomed by 30.6 per cent, compared to the UK average growth of 10.1 per cent during that period.” www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk

Media Studies is a stimulating, creative subject that helps students to develop skills and attitudes that are valuable for employment in any career. Many of our students do, however, go on to study media related degrees and are successful in pursuing careers in film, television, marketing or journalism.

Entry Requirements

Candidates for A Level require at least a grade 7 at (I)GCSE in the relevant language. They should have a keen interest in the relevant culture(s) associated with the language in question in areas such as current affairs and politics, the environment, music, cinema and contemporary history. A readiness to undertake independent research is an essential part of a language A Level.

Course Content: French, Spanish, Chinese (EDEXCEL)

Paper 1

Listening, reading and translation This paper requires students to understand and convey their understanding of texts and recordings. In addition, students will need to produce a translation to demonstrate an ability to appreciate the idiosyncrasies of the language in written prose. Students will be expected to recognise and use the language in a variety of contexts. The themes studied are based on the society and culture of the language being studied.

Paper 2

Written response to works and translation This paper draws on the study of two discrete works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. The paper requires students to demonstrate skills in advanced-level writing together with independent, advanced-level language reading and research of the chosen text(s) and film.

Paper 3

Speaking The speaking exam is divided into two distinct sections. The first task draws on vocabulary and structures across all four Themes and students are required to respond to written language in speech. The second task is based on independent research selected and carried out by the student. The research may be based on one of the Themes or on the student’s own subject of interest related to the society and culture of the language studied. Students are rewarded on their ability to communicate and interact effectively, summarise and analyse findings from written sources relating to their research subject, manipulate language and show knowledge and understanding about the culture and society where the language is spoken.