Media Studies

 

How is the Course Structured?

The Linear A level takes place over 2 years.

What career fields can I enter with this qualification?

With AS/A level Media, students could go on to enter a variety of careers in: website production and design, advertising, film, public relations, press, reporting, editorial roles, film studies, directing, producing, computer game design, animation, advertising and theatre work to name a few.  Media Studies A level students could go on to study the following in higher education: Film Studies, Journalism, Radio and TV Production, and Media Studies and other related courses. Universities accept Media Studies UCAS points.

What Equipment will I have access to?

As a Media Student you will have access to a variety of HD camcorders, tripods and dollies.  You will have full access to the internet and use state of the art AppleMacs (IMacs) and computer programs such as Final Cut Express, Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop. You will use DVD players and will have exclusive access to the schools Media Suite.

     

How is the course structured?

The Linear A level takes place over 2 years.

What about results? 

You can achieve grades A* - G in A Level Media Studies.  The final grade is reported in the August of the second year of the course.

All Universities accept Media Studies UCAS points.

 

A LEVEL COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW

Content Overview	Assessment Overview	% of Total A Level
Paper 01 Media Products   Learners will explore how media products are used by institutions to construct different representations and how media audiences interpret these products (E.g. Look at 3 extracts from 3 different Media products and compare and contrast)   Learners will also use aspects of Media theory to analyse and evaluate their own productions (Using Key Media theorists and how they applied them to their work)	Written Paper   60 marks     1 hour and 45 minutes (including 10 minutes viewing time)	30% of the total A Level
Paper 02 Media In A Digital Age   Learners will explore and analyse the ideas and arguments from debates about the media. These debates will be drawn from:   A Historical Perspective (How media texts have changed since pre 1970 compared to now)   The Digital Age (How music videos and video games have developed in the last 10 years)   Global Media (Looking at connections between European and US television drama, including one non-English language)	Written Paper     80 Marks   2 Hours	40% of the Total A Level
Paper 03/04 Making Media   Learners will practically explore the creation of three linked media products on a cross media production (E.g.  Create A Music Video, A Website and a Press Kit to promote a new music label)	Non Exam Assessment   60 marks	30% of the Total A Level

 

                                        

 

Who would I contact if I had any other questions?

Mrs Willcox – Head of Media Studies

              

OVERSEAS TRIPS

New York - In 2009, 2011 and 2013 Media Studies Students travelled to New York to explore the Big Apple! We went to NBC studios, did a course at the New York Film Academy and completed walking tours of New York to see where all of the films were set. If there is enough interest the New York trp will run every other year for Media Students.

Disneyland Paris - In March 2016 Media Students travelled to Paris to go to Disneyland Paris to attend the Media Live! Conference. This trip allowed students to meet a number of professionals in the Media Industry and understand how it works, as well as getting a better insight into how Disney operates as a Global company. If there is enough interest the Disneyland Paris trip will run alternate years.

UK TRIPS

Media City in Manchester - In November 2016 Media Studies students travelled to Stratford Upon Avon and Manchester. At Stratford Upon Avon students watched a performance of 'The Tempest' by the Royal Shakespeare Company that included video motion capture and CGI. In Manchester students visited Media City in Salford and completed a tour of the BBC Studios with the opportunity to present the news and see the famous "breakfast red couch", we also visited Blue Peter Studios and the BBC Radio studios. We will be looking to go to Manchester again soon. 

 

WARNER BROS STUDIOS

Media Students visit the Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden to see how the Harry Potter Films were put together, discovering secrets of how they filmed certain scenes and even get the opportunity to make their own flying broomstick film with the aid of a green screen!

                                 

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE STUDY DAYS

Media Students will attend Study days at the BFI, including courses aimed at examination topics and give students the opportunity to talk to professionals working in the industry.

                                         

 

Media Students have opportunities to expand their filming expertise by filming other areas of the school, including school productions and concerts and entering film competitions! The Department have worked in conjunction with Essex Trading Standards to produce a number of films for local businesses.