Media
http://oaklandsmedia.blogspot.com/ links to the media blog!
The media is central to our culture today. We see hundreds of media texts every day without even realising it. Websites, films, social networking, television, radio, interactive games, music, magazines and comics surround us -even in school. Media studies can help you to understand who makes media texts- and why (often it’s to make you, the audience, spend your money!) The media reflects how we think and feel about important issues- but it also shapes how we think and feel in the first place. One of the most exciting aspects of media studies is that, once you begin to understand how and why mass media texts are produced, you can have a go at making your own!
Media Studies at KS4 (GCSE)
- 60% is coursework – There are three pieces of coursework at 700-800 words each, based on the practical work you have done. The final piece is a practical production carried out in a group. Typical assignments include: making a movie trailer, making an advertisement for TV or radio or designing a new magazine for young people
- 40% is your Controlled Test -This is a written exam, but you’ll know what the topic is going to be, and in Year 11, you’ll see the stimulus material in May and prepare for it two weeks before the test. Some of the tasks are practical, and some written. Recent topics have been: Situation Comedy (shows like My Family and Friends) and Quiz Shows
Students opting to study Media Studies have to be open-minded about different types of film, TV and music…you can’t be negative just because it’s not your taste. You have to be prepared to work to deadlines in a team or you’ll do badly! It’s not just about watching TV! You need to care about how and why TV has been made.
Although you don’t need to be a technical genius, you need to be prepared to learn to use video editing software and a camera and tripod. You also need to take care of this kind of equipment. You need to have creative ideas and be enthusiastic about putting them into practice. Essentially, Media Skills are central to understanding the world around us. More than ever, Media Studies is about working like a real industry, professional planning, designing and pitching your ideas.
