Introduction to GCSE media studies

1. Taster session

2.  What is the so called Mass Media of
communication?
 How many types of media can you list?
 What is the purpose of Mass Media?

3.  Media is a plural word used to describe the means
of mass communication (newspaper, magazines,
advertising, radio,TV, multimedia, internet, film)
 Media is based on the idea of communicating
ideas, with the purpose of either inform, educate
or entertain.

4. Media Studies are based on three interdependent
study areas:
 The products of the media – media texts (explored
in terms of representation, genre and narrative)
 The organisations behind those texts (explored in
terms of production, distribution, marketing and
exhibition, as well as regulatory issues)
 The audiences for, and users of, those texts.

5. What is media representation?

6. Let’s have a l0ok at the following images:
 Can you spot the difference?

7. Let’s have a l0ok at the following images:
 Can you spot the difference?

11. The media is not a reflection of reality.
It is a representation of reality.
Nothing of what you see in the media is strictly
REAL
(not even the news)

12. The course is divided in three components (units):
1. Making media: Coursework unit
2. Paper 1:TV/Promoting Media
3. Paper 2: Music/News

13. Is there coursework involved in GCSE Media Studies? Yes,
there is.Your coursework will amount to the 30% of your final
grade.
You will be expected to PRODUCE a media product.You can
chose from:
 Three pages of a magazine
 A music video

14. Are there exams involved in GCSE Media Studies?
Yes, there are two papers. Each of them will amount
to a 35% of your final grade.

15. In year 10, students are introduced to the foundations of the theoretical
framework of Media Studies and its key concepts and terminology.
Students research and analyse different media texts and platforms, such
as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film and online media.
They look at specific set texts and industries case studies, such as MOJO
magazine and Bauer Media; BBC and Radio 1 Live Lounge; aspects of media
language and representation in music videos; newspapers, with a study of The
Observer; TV drama, with a detailed study of aspects of media
representation, media language and audiences in Cuffs and The Avengers; and
the industrial aspects of film marketing through the study of the Lego Movie.
In the summer term, students start the research, planning and production of a
media text based on the briefs published by the exam board for that academic
year.The proposed briefs focus on either printed media (magazines) or audio-
visual media production (music videos, television programs or radio
programs).

16. In year 11, students complete their coursework production and prepare in
depth for their two exams.
Paper 1 focuses on issues of representation, media language and audiences in
TV drama (section A) with the study of Cuffs andThe Avengers, and film (section
B) with the study of the industrial aspects behind the Lego Movie.
Paper 2 focuses on the music industry (section A) and newspapers (Section B),
with the study of MOJO magazine; set cases of study for music videos; BBC
Radio 1 Live Lounge andThe Observer as a case of study for newspapers.

17.  Creativity
 Critical thinking
 Analytical skills
 Written communication skills
 Interest in films, art, ICT, etc.

18. Is this something for you?
Have you got any questions?