Intent

Understanding the power and influence of the media has never been more important for young people. The GCSE Media Studies course at Edith Kay provides a stimulating environment in which young people can develop their research and analysis skills and their knowledge of different media forms and the theories through which they can be better understood. The course also enables students to build on this knowledge by creating their own media products, following industry-standard briefs.

Implementation

Pupils already have an implicit understanding and experience of all of the different media around them in the form of social media, gaming, films, TV and advertising. The GCSE Media Studies at Edith Kay School provides pupils with the knowledge, language and analytical skills to really get to grips with this interesting and vital subject. In Media Studies lessons, pupils are guided in exploring the historical development and cultural significance of different types of media, including video games, influencer videos, magazines and TV shows. This includes discussion of how different groups of people are represented and contemporary issues are reflected. We look at examples through the framework of key media theories, which help pupils to understand the influence and reach of the media that they consume. The AQA GCSE assessment course is divided into 70% written examination and 30% practical task, in which pupils create their own media product following a brief.

Impact

By the end of the course, pupils will be equipped with knowledge and analytical skills to enable them to better understand and navigate the media that they consume themselves. Pupils will also have knowledge of how different creative industries work and what opportunities are available to them for further study and work in the creative and media industries.