Media Studies (KS4)

The intent of the AQA GCSE Media Studies course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the role and impact of the media in society. This course aims to develop students’ ability to analyze, interpret, and create media products across a range of platforms, encouraging them to explore the ways in which media reflects, shapes, and challenges cultural values, ideologies, and power structures.

By studying a variety of media forms, including print, digital, broadcast, and online media, students will engage with both historical and contemporary issues, developing an awareness of how media texts are constructed and how they influence audiences. Through this, they will gain skills in critical thinking, media literacy, and communication, preparing them to navigate and critically engage with the media landscape.

The course also fosters creativity, as students are encouraged to plan, create, and evaluate their own media products, applying their knowledge of genre, representation, audience, and industry conventions. Ultimately, the AQA GCSE Media Studies aims to equip students with the necessary skills to understand and participate in the increasingly complex media world, both as informed consumers and potential media producers.

In order to meet these aims we will…

Implement the syllabus through a blend of theory and practical work, allowing students to engage with media both critically and creatively.
Explore case studies through discussions, and analysis of real-world media texts.
Completing practical activities which focus on creating original media products, using relevant industry tools and techniques.
Deliver the curriculum through thematic units that cover key aspects of the media landscape, including media language, representation, audience, industries, and media regulation.
Actively involve students in their learning. This includes group discussions, case study analysis, debates, and practical media creation tasks, all of which encourage students to think critically and collaboratively. The use of contemporary media examples makes learning relevant and engaging.
Engage students in practical media production tasks that allow them to apply their theoretical understanding to create real media products.
Use a scaffolded approach to learning ensuring that students build students’ knowledge and skills gradually.
Complete regular formative assessments, including quizzes, project work, presentations, and written assessments.
Provide regular feedback to support students in improving both their theoretical understanding and practical media production skills.
Implement the syllabus in a way that meets the needs of all students.
The Media Studies syllabus will integrate well with other subjects, particularly English, Art, Drama, and ICT. Media literacy, writing, and digital skills are reinforced throughout the course, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to students’ education.

Students will be able to;

Critical Thinking:

Analyze and deconstruct media texts, understanding their purpose, meaning, and audience appeal.
Recognize and evaluate the influence of media on attitudes, behaviors, and societal values.

Media Literacy:

Identify and understand different media languages, codes, and conventions.
Assess the role of media in constructing and reflecting identities, ideologies, and power relations.

Creative and Practical Skills:

Plan, create, and evaluate original media products across various platforms (e.g., print, digital, broadcast).
Use industry-standard tools and techniques in media production, including digital editing, layout, and design.

Communication Skills:

Present and articulate ideas clearly, both in written and visual forms.
Collaborate effectively in group projects, contributing to the creation of media content.

Research Skills:

Conduct independent research on media topics, industries, and audience behaviors.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data from a variety of media sources.

Problem-Solving:

Apply creative and technical solutions to media production challenges.
Make informed decisions in the construction and manipulation of media texts.

Media Forms and Platforms:

Understand the characteristics, conventions, and forms of various media, including print, film, television, radio, and online platforms.
Explore the digital media landscape and emerging technologies (e.g., social media, online streaming).

Audience Theory:

Investigate how different audiences consume and interact with media products.
Understand how media content is tailored to specific audiences, and the role of segmentation and targeting in the industry.

Media Representation:

Analyze how various groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, class, age) are represented in media.
Explore the implications of media representation for social attitudes and identity.

Media Institutions and Industries:

Understand the role and function of media organizations, including broadcasters, film studios, print publishers, and digital platforms.
Examine issues related to media ownership, regulation, and global media trends.

Media Regulation and Ethics:

Explore the ethical considerations in media production, including issues of privacy, bias, and censorship.
Understand the regulatory frameworks that govern media in different contexts (e.g., Ofcom, BBFC).

Historical and Cultural Contexts:

Develop an understanding of how media has evolved historically, from traditional to digital platforms.
Investigate how media reflects and influences cultural, political, and social contexts.

Media Production Processes:

Gain practical knowledge of the steps involved in creating media products, from concept development to post-production.
Understand key terms and techniques used in media production, such as framing, editing, sound design, and lighting.

Subject Staff