2. Course Components Unit 1 : Investigating Media – 50% of total AS mark Unit 1 : Investigating Media – 50% of total AS mark This will focus on developing an understanding of media texts, concepts and contexts. This will focus on developing an understanding of media texts, concepts and contexts. We will look at key concepts of Audience, Representation, Media Language and institutions across a range of media such as broadcast fiction, film, documentary, news, lifestyle and music press. We will look at key concepts of Audience, Representation, Media Language and institutions across a range of media such as broadcast fiction, film, documentary, news, lifestyle and music press.

3. Exam Paper Section A – These will be short questions of unseen stimulus material from moving image, digital /web based or print media Section A – These will be short questions of unseen stimulus material from moving image, digital /web based or print media Section B – One essay question from a choice of two based on a cross media case study on either TV drama or Reality Television Section B – One essay question from a choice of two based on a cross media case study on either TV drama or Reality Television

4. Unit 2 – Creating Media Coursework is from an externally set production brief – 50% of total AS marks Coursework is from an externally set production brief – 50% of total AS marks Two linked production pieces from either broadcasting, print or web- based media Two linked production pieces from either broadcasting, print or web- based media A written evaluation of 1500 words on both production pieces A written evaluation of 1500 words on both production pieces

5. What does this mean? It means that you will have to create two original pieces of media based on topics that you have studied in class using photographs and moving images that you have designed and created yourself and then edited to give them a professional finish. It means that you will have to create two original pieces of media based on topics that you have studied in class using photographs and moving images that you have designed and created yourself and then edited to give them a professional finish. It also means that you will have to evaluate your work in depth and detail relating what you have chosen to do to the conventions of that type of text and to theories of media analysis It also means that you will have to evaluate your work in depth and detail relating what you have chosen to do to the conventions of that type of text and to theories of media analysis

6. A2 Media Studies Unit 3 – Critical perspectives Unit 3 – Critical perspectives This is a written paper of 2 hours with compulsory questions on unseen stimulus material and an essay question from a choice of two pre-set topics This is a written paper of 2 hours with compulsory questions on unseen stimulus material and an essay question from a choice of two pre-set topics It will focus on cross-media debates and issues, media theories and will be based on issues such as representations in the media and the impact of new media. It will focus on cross-media debates and issues, media theories and will be based on issues such as representations in the media and the impact of new media.

7. Unit 4 Research and Production This will be a critical investigation of a media issue or debate (2,000) words This will be a critical investigation of a media issue or debate (2,000) words A linked production piece based on the issue A linked production piece based on the issue For example – an investigation into men’s lifestyle magazines and then a mock-up of a first edition of a new men’s lifestyle magazine For example – an investigation into men’s lifestyle magazines and then a mock-up of a first edition of a new men’s lifestyle magazine Or – a study into the representation of disability in television comedy and then a trailer for a new TV comedy for the BBC. Or – a study into the representation of disability in television comedy and then a trailer for a new TV comedy for the BBC.

8. Style of learning Media is a 'learn by doing' subject, and you compare your own experiences with what the 'professionals' go through and evaluate your work. This includes lots of research of a wide variety of media texts. Media is a 'learn by doing' subject, and you compare your own experiences with what the 'professionals' go through and evaluate your work. This includes lots of research of a wide variety of media texts. You will also be expected to give presentations on topics that you have studied and explain your work to the rest of the group. You will also be expected to give presentations on topics that you have studied and explain your work to the rest of the group.

9. Media Studies trip to London December 2011 BBC BBC BBFC BBFC IMAX IMAX

10. Why is Media Studies important? Media Studies about understanding and appreciating the skill and creativity which goes into the production of media texts. Media Studies about understanding and appreciating the skill and creativity which goes into the production of media texts. Its about developing skills in creating new texts the are original and well designed Its about developing skills in creating new texts the are original and well designed Its about recognising how we are affected by our media and how it influences our lives – analysing things Its about recognising how we are affected by our media and how it influences our lives – analysing things

11. What do I need to be a good media studies student? A real interest in the media in general and not just the programmes/magazines/films aimed at me A real interest in the media in general and not just the programmes/magazines/films aimed at me 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including English and Media (if studied previously) 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including English and Media (if studied previously) A willingness to discuss texts and evaluate them with others A willingness to discuss texts and evaluate them with others The maturity to organise my time effectively to be able to watch and read as much material as possible when asked and to spend adequate time on my coursework – At least 4 hours a week outside of the lesson The maturity to organise my time effectively to be able to watch and read as much material as possible when asked and to spend adequate time on my coursework – At least 4 hours a week outside of the lesson

12. Where could Media Studies lead? If you want to go to University there are courses on a wide variety of media related topics both specific : If you want to go to University there are courses on a wide variety of media related topics both specific : Advertising and marketing Advertising and marketing Journalism Journalism Film and television production Film and television production Public relations Public relations Animation Animation