“Media Studies exceeded my expectations. The independent study was tough but very rewarding. Not only have I really enjoyed the challenges of filmmaking and production, but the course made me question my own ‘mediated’ views of society and the information that I consume.”

Staff in Department: Mrs C Fernandez (Head of Dept) and Ms K Johnson

Ethos of department
We are a popular and growing A level department in the Sixth Form, who believe in fostering a friendly but purposeful working environment, encouraging creativity, independent learning and excellence in ICT. We are passionate about the subject and our students are motivated by the contemporary nature of the subject matter. The department is well resourced in digital filmmaking equipment, from DV cameras, Adobe Premiere software to SFX equipment such as a green screen and fish eye lens. We have a high PC to student ratio, ensuring that all students have tools needed for success.

The A level course challenges the students to critically evaluate how media texts are made, the meaning that they convey, how audiences consume and interpret the texts, as well as the institutions that produce and control the flow of information. We study media such as British press, periodicals, mainstream and independent filmmaking, music industry and new media technologies such as blogging and gaming.

Skills developed on the course include critical essay writing, responding to a creative brief, working in teams, responding to a creative brief primary and secondary research, formal presentations, digital imaging software and an emphasis on critical autonomy that is desirable to both universities and employers.

Years 7-9
The Media Studies Department works with Humanities subjects at KS3 on cross-curricular projects such as ‘Exodus’ in Year 8, giving students the opportunity to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop and digital video editing software in order to produce multi-media presentations.

Years 10-11
The department are currently investigating curriculum development in Media Studies at KS4.

Sixth Form
Our results are among the best in the school. For the last three years 100% of students achieved A-C at A-Level, with over 80% achieving A-B. More importantly, our students consistently far exceed their target minimum grades.

Enrichment
In addition to outstanding results, we believe in celebrating success and run a very glamorous Award Ceremony for Year 13 video production, complete with paparazzi and a red carpet! Furthermore, the department runs a number of extra-curricular learning opportunities, including a trip to New York, workshops at The Guardian, courses at the National Film Theatre, research at the British Film Institute Library and in-house filmmaking clubs at lunchtime.