The aim of Media Studies teaching at Colfe’s is to enable every pupil to achieve his or her full potential, and examine both practical and theoretical elements of the Media in order to expand his/her horizons and prepare for today’s media-saturated society. This, we feel, offers pupils valuable training for careers both within and outside of the media. This is achieved through:
a) Careful teaching of key concepts and theories
b) Offering advanced practical experience to enhance creative and technical capabilities
c) Creating an awareness and appreciation of the media, its institutions and the effect it has on our daily lives
For a more in detail description of the A Level Course Click Here.
Our curriculum is based on the AQA syllabi at both GCSE and A-Level. Both syllabi require pupils to examine media culture, institutions and the role the mass media has in shaping popular views and ideas. This is done through both theoretical and practical focus on the concepts studied in order to give pupils a wider perspective of the many facets of the subject.
At GCSE, subject content is split evenly between theoretical and practical work. All practical work is accompanied by a supporting statement, allowing pupils to consider the wider social implications of their projects. This encourages pupils to become more responsible media consumers/creators. A different exam topic is chosen every year, allowing pupils to give special consideration to one media form and providing a specialised area of interest.
A-level pupils focus largely on theoretical issues of representation and generic conventions within the media. This is tested through a series of written examinations and a 3,000-word essay on a topic chosen by each individual as an area of expertise. However, pupils are also given access to digital filming/editing equipment, which is used to produce a ten-minute documentary on an issue of their choosing. These documentaries offer pupils a “ hands-on” approach to the subject in order to create a tangible product of their knowledge. This is particularly useful to those wishing to go on to a career in media production, as it provides valuable material for portfolios.