Media Studies

Exam Board: AQA Syllabus: A-level: 7572 Consult: Mrs Jackson

WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? Our knowledge and understanding of the world is brought directly into our homes every minute of the day through the mass media. Those who own and control the businesses and those who select the information and entertainment that we receive have enormous power over us as individuals and over the society in which we live. It is essential that we should become critical consumers of all this information. In addition, there is currently, and, through the use of digital broadcasting, there will continue to be, an explosion in opportunities in media-related careers.

CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Year 12 Content: • Understanding of the media framework including the key concepts of media language, representation, institutions and audience. • Exploration of theory and academic understanding of how media communicates particular messages. • Construction of one part of a crossmedia product. Potentially including construction of a short video, magazine article or website.

Year 13 Content: • Developed understanding of media theory and critical perspectives in analysis of 8 Close Study Products. • Creation of two linked cross media pieces. Potential working on Video,

Print or E-Media products.

ASSESSMENT A-level – Two exams each worth 35%. Focusing on developed understanding of key concepts and wider theories and critical perspectives. Two NEA creative pieces that are connected but cross different media platforms. 30% of A-Level

EXTRACURRICULAR Each year, Ashcombe welcomes one of the country’s leading broadcasters, BBC Radio and TV presenter Evan Davis, into school for a discussion with students. Our wealth of contacts in TV, radio, newspapers, PR, advertising, social media and more gives us access to trips into media organisations and the opportunity to bring in other big name guests for talks.

AFTER ASHCOMBE The opportunities within the media sector continue to grow year on year, with all major businesses requiring a social media expert as well as many other ‘media’ posts. Universities all over the country offer a wide range of varied media courses, with Bournemouth, Cardiff and Southampton amongst the most desirable locations for a media student.

Media Studies opens doors to practical courses like film and TV production as well as the more academic side of Media Studies degrees and Journalism.