Spanish GCSE

Media Studies GCSE

The Media Studies specification offers learners an opportunity to draw on existing experiences of the media, as well as extending their critical understanding. Students will not only engage with a range of rich media products but also develop production skills to create their own.

Exam Board: Eduqas

(WJEC)

How the course is assessed

Written Exams (70%) Non-Exam Assessment (coursework, 30%)

The two exams include cross-media studies and look at a broad range of media products, meaning students will build up a broad knowledge base of a number of media forms. This also includes looking at historical media products to study how the media and audiences have changed through the decades.

Suitable Candidates

Have you ever thought about how an advert makes you buy a product? Or what makes a computer game a phenomenon?

The course is designed to take students outside their normal experiences, such as newspapers and TV genres they may not have seen.

By the end of the two years, students are expected to have a deep understanding of media language, representation, audiences and media institutions. They will also be tested on their understanding of social and political context and their ability to use appropriate media theories.

In addition to the exams, students will also have to produce some practical media work. They will develop their hands-on skills using computers, digital cameras and audio recording tools. Students will also learn to edit their raw materials with a range of editing software, including Adobe Photoshop. The topic of production changes each year but could be something like an Advertising Poster Campaign or a selection of Magazine Pages.

Media Studies is open to all students but is ideal for those who have a wide interest in many areas of the media and have already begun to think deeper about their own media consumption.

This would be a good choice for those looking towards a career in the Media. It uses analytical skills similar to English or History, so would be good for anyone who enjoys those subjects. Media Studies is good for anyone who enjoys a mix of critical thinking and hands-on experience.

Post 16 Progression Routes

A-Levels in Media Studies, Film Studies or Photography. Various BTECs in Media Production.

All the programs we use at Dorothy Stringer are similar to those used in the industry, so students leave with a solid knowledge of the tools used by a wide number of creative businesses.

Student Comments

“The best thing about Media is that it teaches you to understand how it all works and how the audience is manipulated. I can’t watch an advert now without thinking about how they are persuading me to buy the product.”

Photography GCSE

This course allows students to communicate visually through the versatile and creative medium of photography. This is a digital photography course and there will be a strong emphasis on the formal elements of picture making. Pattern, shape and colour will be explored as well as light, movement and composition.

Students will be taught the mechanics of how a camera works and focus on the skills that make an interesting photograph as opposed to a snap shot. They will learn how to use the manual settings of the camera for shoots taken in a variety of conditions and situations. We have ten Canon EOS.1200D cameras for use in lessons.

It is not necessary to own a DSLR camera. Home learning shoots can be taken on a phone/camera as long at students have a way of uploading to OneDrive through the SLG.

Exam Board: AQA

How the course is assessed

Coursework: 60% Exam 40%

Suitable Candidates

This course would suit any student who enjoys taking photographs and wants to learn the creative possibilities when using the medium of ‘light’. Students should be prepared to take photographs outside of school and to keep up with the demands of coursework deadlines.

Post 16 Progression Routes

Digital editing is taught, enabling our students to alter their pictures or create new images. Students will study the different genres of photography and get inspiration from traditional as well as contemporary photographers.

Coursework: This is a body of work completed throughout Year 10 and the first term of Year 11. It consists of 3 projects showing different themes and approaches. Evidence for the portfolio of work will be kept both digitally and as printed outcomes. Printing costs are covered by the department.

Exam: A ten week preparation period and a ten hour final practical completed in the art and computer rooms over two days.

GCSE photography is not a prerequisite for A Level Photography although it is an excellent foundation. Further studies may lead to the following careers: Photographer for books and magazines (food, sport, fashion ), Advertising, Press Photographer, Photo Journalist, Programme Researcher, Broadcasting/film/video Runner, Broadcasting/film/video/ television camera operator, Location manager.

Student Comments

“Photography has taught me skills I never thought existed”

“No matter if you are experienced or not this subject will help you understand your camera”