Media Studies is for those who like to think for themselves and argue their point of view. It helps you gain practical media skills. It trains you to analyse the media that you use every day. It may improve your career options in the Media and Communications industries.

GCSE Media Studies
Our students can choose to study at GCSE level, and they will have two lessons a week for two years of the course. 

What will I learn about?
Contemporary society is media–saturated. We are surrounded by media texts that range from advertising billboards to Walt Disney films to the latest DVD. In Media Studies you will learn about the way that the media is constructed and the way in which the media communicates its message to a potential audience. You will learn a new vocabulary in order to analyse media texts. You will also have the opportunity to construct your own media productions using digital technology.

We would expect students opting for this subject to have a real interest in the news, politics and current affairs, advertising, film, radio, television and new media technologies.

The course will combine theory with practical work. You will be encouraged to develop your media vocabulary and understanding of key media concepts in whole class activities, small group work and
independent studies. You will also develop practical media production skills, which offer opportunities for creativity, imagination, enjoyment and self-expression.

A Level Media Studies
The students in the sixth form are given the opportunity to study Media and develop many of the skills required for progression to a career in the Media, or a successful continuation on to further academic study at university.  You don’t need to have studied this subject at GCSE level to succeed on this course, though it will certainly help.

Studying Media will allow the students to come to understand the modern world around them and the way that new technologies are creating endless possibilities for education, employment, information and entertainment.

AS – Foundation Production and Key Media Theories are studied in the first year. This equips students with both practical (ICT, technical knowledge and artistic composition) and analytical skills that students can apply across their curriculum choices.

A2 – Advanced Production and Media Issues and Debates are studied in the second year. In their final year, students will develop practical skills that will enable them to produce professional standard media products. They will also study material that will prepare them for further study at University, particularly in expanding their understanding of analytical skills that are required at a higher level.