Media Studies
“The spectacle is not a collection of images; it is a social relation among people, mediated by images.” – Guy Debord
Overview/Vision/Intent
Our vision in Media Studies is to develop students’ understanding of how media shapes perceptions and influences audiences. By studying a wide range of media forms – including advertising, film, television, magazines, newspapers, video games, and online media – students will learn to analyse how meaning is created through media language, representation, and audience engagement.
At the same time, they will apply this knowledge in creative projects, building practical skills with industry-standard tools to produce their own media products. This balance of theory and practice fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, preparing students for success at GCSE and beyond.
Curriculum
Year 9
In Year 9, students build a strong foundation in media literacy and key media concepts. They explore how media shapes perceptions and engages audiences through a balance of analysis and hands-on creative projects. This approach prepares students for GCSE Media Studies by introducing both analytical and practical skills from the outset.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer |
| Introduction to Media Studies | A/V Media Creation | Representation in the Media | Exploring Video Games | Mock NEA
(Coursework) |
| Students build key knowledge and vocabulary across print and audiovisual media. | Students study AV media with a focus on advertising and will create their own John Lewis-inspired Christmas advert. | Students analyse how different social groups are represented in film, TV, and print media, and will practise writing analytical paragraphs. | Students explore the video game industry and marketing, creating their own video game franchise with a case cover and poster. | Students produce one of the following:
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Year 10
In Year 10, students will build both analytical and creative skills by studying GCSE print media set products and NEA coursework. They will develop their understanding of media language, representation, and audience engagement through analysis of set texts, while applying this knowledge to create their own print media products using industry-standard tools. This balanced approach prepares students for both the exam and coursework, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer |
| Advertising and Marketing | Film and Magazines | Newspapers | Video Games
and Radio |
Official NEA
(Coursework) |
Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students, for their official NEA, will create either:
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Year 11
In Year 11, students will refine their analytical skills and consolidate knowledge by focusing on GCSE audio-visual media set products. They will engage with advanced concepts of media language, representation, and audience interaction through detailed analysis of set texts, while also preparing for final assessments with targeted revision, theoretical frameworks, and exam practice. This ensures a strong understanding of media theory and practice, equipping students with the confidence and skills to succeed in their GCSE exams.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 3 | Spring 4 |
| Representation in TV | Media Industry | Music Video
‘The Man’ – Taylor Swift |
Music Video
‘Superheroes’ – Stormzy |
Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students will cover the following topics:
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Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Students will cover the following set texts to analyse:
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Exam Board Information
Eduqas – C680QS
Extra-Curricular opportunities
This year we are launching the KWS Marketing Team, giving students the chance to design and produce posters to be displayed around the school. Students will also have the opportunity to enter media and creative competitions, as well as take part in cross-curricular projects embedded within English lessons. These activities provide valuable real-world experience, encourage creativity, and help students see the impact of media in different contexts.
