In a world where communication has never been more important, we want students to understand and question how their world and lived experience is shaped, presented and re-presented by a broad range of media ‘texts’, from feature films to games, digital advertisements to reality television – and by doing so, inspire them to achieve their potential. “
Miss M. Downes
Head of Media Studies
Subject Overview
Although it is increasingly a visual method of communication, Media would be nothing without carefully-chosen text underpinning it. In each scheme of work at KS3, students are introduced to the role and analysis of different media texts, to show them how important Media is to the world around them.
Media Studies is not taught discretely during KS3 or KS4, ; despite this, it performs a vital role within English and draws upon the skills students already have in textual analysis from their studies in English Language and Literature.
During Key Stage 3, pupils encounter Media through the study of newspaper articles, advertisements, music videos and other non-fiction texts. Pupils are encouraged to use their critical skills to engage with the text and its relationship to accompanying supporting images.
In KS4, GCSE English specifications require the analysis of, and ability to produce, a broad range of texts including non-fiction and reportage texts. Therefore, the approaches taken to Media in KS3 are vital, underpinning the learning required for success in English GCSEs.
In KS5, Shire Oak Academy offers a BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate Award in Creative Digital Media. The course adopts a highly practical approach to working within the media industry, underpinned by theoretical approaches to Media such as reception theory and feminist approaches. Combining elements of research, journalism, and photography, the course is diverse and engaging.
Staff
Miss M. Downes
Mrs M Heath
Prospects
Level 4 Apprenticeships
Degree-level qualifications in Media and other related subjects such as English, Photography, Art & Design, Psychology and Sociology
The BTEC carries UCAS points equivalent to a grade A* at A-Level for a Distinction*, A at A-Level for a Distinction, C at A-Level for a Merit and E at A-Level for a Pass. As such it can be used to apply for degree-level qualifications as part of UCAS applications.