Media
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"The media's the most powerful entity on earth."
- Malcolm X
Whether you agree or disagree with this statement, it is important to acknowledge the power of the mass media and the role it plays in contemporary society.
The role of the mass media is closely examined and evaluated in media studies. Due to this, our students are able to access a broad range of media messages; they have the key to unlock and understand the world around them.
At Bishop Challoner media studies is offered as a discreet subject at both GCSE and AS/A Level.
At both levels, students are given the opportunity to examine a range of media texts aswell as create them. In order to encourage creativity in these areas we offer access to various new technologies and software including: i mac computers, still image/video cameras, GarageBand, Photoshop, iPhoto, iMovie HD etc. All of the aforementioned can be found in our recently developed media suites:
Why choose GCSE Media Studies?
- Develops critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Develops appreciation and critical understanding of the role of the media in daily life
- Combines practical and theoretical knowledge and skills through opportunities for personal engagement and creativity
- Encourages an understanding of how to use key media concepts to analyse media products and their various contexts
- Prepares students for study in a range of disciplines at National Qualifications Framework Level 3 and above.
Course Overview:Unit 1: Investigating the Media
- Written Paper - 1 hour 30 mins - 60 marks - 40%
- External Assessment based on a pre-released topic (Task 1: Knowledge and Understanding. Task 2: Research, Planning and Presentation; Production and Evaluation.)
Unit 2: Understanding the Media
- Controlled Assessment taken from banks of set assignments - 90 marks - 60%
- Three Assignments: Introductory assignment; Cross-media assignment; Practical Production and Evaluation.
In the unlikely event that you need any more convincing...take a look at this:
Summary of benefits:
Among the many benefits, this new specification is designed to encourage candidates to:
- Enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of the media and its role in their daily lives
- Develop critical understanding of the media through engagement with media products and concepts and through the creative application of practical skills
- Explore production processes, technologies and other relevant contexts
- Become independent in research skills and their application in their practical work and in developing their own views and interpretations.
Course Overview:
Unit 1 MEST1: Investigating Media (50% of AS, 25% of A Level)
2 hour written examination
Two sections: A four compulsory short answer questions, B choice of one from two essays
Unit 2 MEST2: Creating Media (50% of AS, 25% of A Level)
Practical unit, internally assessed and externally moderated
Externally set production briefs.
Two linked production pieces (taken from two of the three media platforms studied in Unit 1 plus 1500 word evaluation).
Unit 3 MEST3: Media: Critical Perspectives (25% of A Level)
2 hour written examination
Two sections: A three compulsory questions on unseen stimulus pieces, B one essay from a choice of two topics
Unit 4 MEST4: Media: Research and Production (25% of A Level)
Practical unit, internally assessed and externally moderated
Two sections: Critical Investigation, Linked production pieceTake a look at a piece of Mest 2 practical work submitted by year 12 students:
Extra Curricular Activities
Budding film directors, television presenters and video editors have the opportunity to take part in the production of BCTV News reports to be shown on the school's plasma screen (located in the foyer). Students can film, edit and present these reports which will cover a range of events and activities going on at Bishop Challoner. So far the creative team have filmed and presented coverage of The X Factor, The Xtra Factor and the christmas Production.