GCSE in Media Studies

The Media Studies Department at Coombe is a busy, thriving department with a proud record of achievement.  In 2009 we achieved 93.5% A*-C pass rate at GCSE with 51% achieving A* -A.  We now have the pleasure of offering the new GCSE specification and BTEC First Diploma in Media.  

The mass media is all around us.  It is film, television, radio, advertising, video games, magazines, newspapers, and the internet.  The AQA GCSE Media Studies course aims to explore how and why the media impacts upon our lives the way it does.  It consists of two units and is 60% controlled assessment (coursework) and 40% examination.  As a single option choice, the GCSE in Media Studies allows you to flex your creative and academic muscles alongside your other option choices.  The units are;

• 1.Investigating the Media- This will be a study of a key media topic set by the exam board, with pre-release materials.  You will have a case study and the opportunity to research, plan and present work prior to the assessment.  You will build up your media knowledge and production skills and have the opportunity to present and discuss the issues surrounding the creation and consumption of such media products.  This will be assessed through a 1½ hour examination and is worth 40% of the double award.
• 2.Understanding the Media- This will explore the relationships between media texts across a range of media platforms (e.g. film and popular music) and explore how and why media texts are produced the way they are.  You will produce three assignments covering three different media forms.  These include: film, television, radio, print media, web-based media, music, news broadcasting, advertising and marketing.  The third assignment is a practical production, allowing you to create a significant media product in one of the already listed media forms.  This will be assessed through coursework and is 60% of the award.

Who is this course for?  
Anyone who is interested in learning about how and why the media operates in the way it does and how it impacts upon all of our lives.  You may even be considering a future in the media and want to learn more about it.  This course will ideally suit those who want the experience of studying and producing media texts and want to be at the forefront of technological and sociological development.

What will I gain from this?
The opportunity to study and create film, television, advertising, photography, radio, print, even compose and create music.  The GCSE in Media is interesting, challenging, relevant and fun.  The skills you gain are hugely transferable across other subjects and should help you with your written, presentational and ICT skills.  The qualification will prepare you well for continuing your studies of any combination of subjects at A level. The knowledge you gain will ensure you are an informed and empowered citizen of the 21st century.  An attractive proposition for colleges, universities and employers alike. 

How do I know if I will like it?
If you enjoy consuming media products, going to the cinema, blogging, shooting and editing short films, are creative, have a good imagination, interested in design, photography, have strong opinions, enjoy debating the way of the world and want the opportunity to study and create a wide range of media products, with a view to moving into further education, as an empowered young adult, then this is the course for you.

Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Media

This qualification will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills needed when considering entering employment in the media industry.  You will be provided with insight into the various employment opportunities available in the media, and have the opportunity to develop the fundamental skills underlying all media production.

The course consists of three core units plus four specialist units.  The structure of the course allows you to develop your existing interests in the media, at the same time as gaining a broad foundation and being introduced to new areas such as reviewing computer games, advertising production or digital film making and graphics.  It is worth the equivalent to four GCSE’s grades A* - C.

If you are interested in making films, videos and printed materials working with and communicating with other people creating messages which inform, educate, entertain and even persuade, researching current issues, studying film, TV, Advertising, Radio, Popular Music, then you might want to consider opting for the BTEC First Diploma in Media. 

The course comprises 6 units; 3 core units and 3 specialist units.  These are;
Core Units:

• 1. Understanding the Media
• 2. Research for Media Production
• 3. Media Skills Development

Specialist units (choose 3 from the following);

• 1. Video production
• 2. Audio Production
• 3. Print Production
• 4. Advertising Production
• 5. Multimedia Production
• 6. Photography Techniques
• 7. Writing for the Media
• 8. Web Authoring

Who is this course for?
Those of you particularly interested in working in the media and ready to take up the challenges of making the first steps.  You want to be good at working as a member of a practical production team, conceiving and visualising ideas which communicate information to other people using modern communications technology: video, electronic imaging, computer animation, multimedia, writing film and TV scripts.

What will I gain from this?

Following completion of the BTEC First Diploma in Media, successful candidates would be able to enter initial employment, at a junior level, in such areas as TV/Film camera operator, TV/Film runner, TV/Film Junior Editor, Sound Recordist or Production Management Assistant, to name a few.  The BTEC First Diploma has the equivalence of 4 GCSEs graded A*-C. If you achieve an overall pass grade or better in the BTEC First Diploma in Media, it is possible for you to progress further by enrolling on another Level 2 programme, or a relevant NVQ, or moving on to a higher level qualification such as A levels or a Level 3 BTEC National Certificate specialising in your preferred field.

How do I know if I will like it?
By opting to take the BTEC qualification in Media you are already a keen practitioner and consumer of media products who wants to specialize in this field, or at least you have the ambition to do so.