Specification

Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Technology
AS/A2: Media Studies
Contact Teacher Mrs J Mann Exam Board CIE
 
Media Studies is taught in a dedicated media studio with a suite of Apple Macs. All student work is presented on blogs. Media Studies offers students the opportunity to both produce and interpret media in a dynamic, reflexive way that combines critical analysis and creative production. Students develop media literacy, involving higher order thinking skills such as questioning, analysing and evaluating information, referred to as critical viewing or critical analysis. (Ofcom 2007). Production work is an important part of the course and is worth 50% of the marks in both years. The creation of their own media portfolios puts theory into practice, in keeping with the way that Web 2.0 technologies also enable audiences to be producers.
 
Here is the link to the specification.
The CIE Media Studies 9607 course comprises:
Component 1: The Foundation Portfolio (25% of total marks) Internally marked and externally assessed. 
Students make the titles and opening of a new fiction film (to last two minutes) following the conventions of commercial cinema. The task may be undertaken individually or as part of a group of up to four members. Preliminary exercises build up learners’ skills with equipment and their understanding of conventions. An individual student blog provides evidence of research, planning, construction and critical reflection.
 
Component 2: Key Media Concepts (25% of total marks). Examination. 
In Section A, students analyse how the technical aspects of moving image create meaning for an audience. The focus for 2017 is American TV drama. In the examination, students watch an extract and analyse how the technical aspects of camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scène create meaning. 
In Section B, we investigate the institutions and audiences of Hollywood and the British film industry. Students develop case studies on individual films and production companies that produce or distribute films in the UK, the US and globally.
 
Component 3: Advanced Portfolio (25% of total marks). Internally marked and externally assessed. 
In the second year, students produce a campaign of media products, digital evidence of their work and a creative critical reflection. Students present their research, planning and reflection in individual blogs using a wide range of presentational tools. Set brief: a promotion package for a new film, to include two trailers (major task), together with a website for the film and a poster for the film (minor tasks).
 
Component 4: Critical Perspectives (25% of total marks). Examination. 
A written examination of two questions. 
Section A is an evaluation of production skills development (two-part compulsory question). Section B is about contemporary media issues, with the centre selecting from contemporary media regulation, global media, media and collective identity, media in an online age, or postmodern media. I intend to continue with contemporary media regulation.
 
Competence in media literacy is increasingly necessary in many fields of employment in addition to the opportunities in media-related careers. Media students will develop many transferable skills, both practical and academic. Our visits to the BFI offer valuable industry perspectives.