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Rooks Heath School

Rooks Heath School

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Media Studies

Overview 

GCSE Media Studies is a dynamic and engaging subject that explores how media products shape our understanding of the world. Students analyse a wide range of media forms, including advertising, television, film marketing, music videos, newspapers, and online media, while also developing their own creative production skills. 

Curriculum Intent 

The curriculum aims to: 

  • Develop critical thinkers who can analyse and evaluate media products. 

  • Build understanding of key media concepts: media language, representation, industries, and audiences. 

  • Encourage creativity through practical production work. 

  • Enable students to understand how media reflects and influences society, culture, and identity 

Curriculum Implementation 

How the curriculum is taught and organised: 

Teaching approach  

  • Combination of theory (analysis of set products) and practical coursework.  

  • Use of case studies across print, online and audio-visual media.  

  • Application of media theory to real-world contexts 

Sequencing of learning 

  • Year 10: Foundations of media language, representation and industries. Introduction and teaching of Component 1 set texts.   

  • Year 11: NEA completion and Component 2 delivery of content. 

Assessment 

  • Component 1 (Exam) – Exploring the Media (40%)  

  • Component 2 (Exam) – Understanding Media Forms and Products (30%)  

  • Component 3 (NEA Coursework) – Creating Media (30%) 

Curriculum Impact 

How success is measured:  

  • Strong exam performance and coursework outcomes.  

  • Ability to analyse unseen media texts independently in extended writing tasks.  

  • High-quality practical productions showing creativity and technical skill in NEA coursework and practical homework tasks.  

  • Student confidence in discussing media issues and applying theory. 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4

Year  Topics/Units Key Knowledge & Skills 
10

Component 1  

Media Language & Representation in: 

  • Advertising 

  • Newspapers 

  • Magazines 

  • Film marketing  

Introduction to Media Industries & Audiences in: 

  • Radio  

  • Game industry  

 Understanding codes & conventions, representation of social groups, introduction to audience theory, analysing set products 
11

Component 2  

  • Television 

  • Music Videos 

  • Online Media  

Component 3  

  • NEA production 

 Applying theoretical framework, creating media products (planning, filming, editing), evaluation skills 

 

Exam Board and specification link: Eduqas GCSE Media Studies 

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/x3wbjgp1/eduqas-gcse-media-studies-spec-from-2017-e.pdf 

Enrichment 

  • Film and media clubs  

  • Trips to exhibitions and cinemas 

  • Participation in national media competitions