“If media content didn’t fascinate us, there would be no desire to engage in it; but if it didn’t frustrate us on some level, there would be no drive to rewrite or remake it.”
– Henry Jenkins
Powerful Knowledge in Media Studies
Powerful knowledge in Media Studies stems from the concept that everything presented in the media is constructed with an intended purpose. Context is an integral part of every media product, and shapes an audience response; no media product exists in isolation from the time period in which it was created. It is from this understanding that learners are able to interpret, critique and create media products. Media studies develops learners’ initial superficial understanding of the media and gives them a richer understanding of how the industry operates, innovates and captures its target audience.
Curriculum Features
Through the exploration of a rich range of products both inside and outside their current media experiences, learners are provided with opportunities to analyse several key media forms, ranging from print productions such as magazines and adverts, online platforms via gaming websites and performers’ social media accounts through to audio visual texts such as music videos and TV drama. This analysis is consistently underpinned by a theoretical framework which includes media language, audience, representation and industry. Students will explore the historical, political, social and cultural context of various key time periods, thus allowing them to critically consider why the products were made, who they were targeting and how they impacted their intended audience.
The practical component of the curriculum gives learners valuable experience of using industry standard software and equipment, equipping them with transferable skills for both further study and employment. This creative element of the subject involves the research, planning and production of a convincing Media product that utilises appropriate product conventions. By understanding that all media products are constructed with a particular audience in mind, learners will be able to research audience needs and produce an appropriate media product that successfully targets their intended audience.
Co-curricular Enrichment
- KS3 Media club
- KS4 and KS5 lunchtime workshops for practical media skills
- Equipment available for students to borrow for practical productions or for their own creative productions.
- KS4 Media visits
- Guest speakers
- House competitions