Media Studies

This section is relevant to people who are very interested in careers in Media Studies and have talents in some of the related creative arts fields (see page 27 Diploma); and people interested in fast tracking one option of Media Studies as a GCSE option with non-arts subjects.

What is Media Studies?

• Do you have an interest in media products such as television, film, magazines, music and advertising?
• Are you interested in developing an awareness of the importance and power of the media in today’s society?

Media Studies is an accessible subject in that it focuses on many of those products that you often use on a daily basis. These products shape how we make sense of the world and relate to those around us. Celebrities seem more familiar to us than those we meet face-to-face and we often create our own identities based upon those we see in the media. Understanding how power, identities and pleasures are formed, means understanding media.

GCSE Media Studies develops a range of knowledge and skills; research, analytical, evaluative, creative and technical to mention just a few. What we will teach you is how to consider media products critically, thinking about how they are created and consumed. You will become more conscious of your own media consumption and more inclined to question what you are consuming.

There is a crossover with subjects such as Art, English and ICT, which enables you to combine many of those subject skills to then create your own media product.

Where can Media Studies lead?

Media Studies can lead to related careers such as journalism, advertising and television production. Indeed, it will be invaluable to any career path which values creativity, teamwork skills, individual initiative and effective communication skills. Most courses lead to an NVQ level 1 or BTEC qualification. Some are initially restricted to NVQ entry level and this can only be resolved depending on the quality of the students work over the course.

Aims & Learning Outcomes

• Develop enquiry, critical thinking and decision making skills.
• Develop your appreciation and critical understanding of the media and its role in everyday lives.
• Develop your practical skills through opportunities for personal engagament and creativity.
• Understand how to use the key media concepts to analyse media products and their various contexts.

Film Trailers

To see some of the excellent film trailers produced by 2010's Year 11 Media Students follow the links below to our Walkden High YouTube Channel

Film Review 1
Film Review 2
Film Review 3
Film Review 4
Film Review 5
Film Review 6
Film Review 7