This document outlines the plan for a Year 11 Media Studies class. It includes introductions to the teachers and an overview of what will be covered over the year. There are two units that make up the GCSE - Unit 1 focuses on investigating different aspects of media including genres, representation, and production skills. Unit 2 involves three controlled assignments including a cross-media study comparing promotional methods across different platforms, and a practical music video production with planning materials and an evaluation.

1. WELCOME TO YEAR 11
MEDIA STUDIES!
YOUR TEACHERS THIS YEAR…
Miss Bishop Miss McCarthy Miss Bozdagli

2. PLAN FOR THE LESSON:
• Sort out and tidy folders for the first 5-10 mins
• Talk through outline of the year
• Introduction of music video and genres
• Watch previous years works

3. Unit 1: Investigating the Media
• 40% GCSE Award
• Examination – 24th May 2016
Pre-Release given 4 weeks before exam – Teaching will stop at this point and the
teacher’s input will be for advice and guidance only.
What will be covered in preparation?
• Style
• Presentation
• Values
• Audience
• Representation and Bias
• Codes and Conventions
• New technologies involved in production and consumption
• Current debates and audience issues
• Production Skills – storyboarding, scripting, selection and editing.

4. Unit 2: Understanding the Media
• 60% GCSE Award
• Controlled assessment comprised of 3
assignments.
• To be submitted to AQA before 7th May
• The assignments will consist of the
following…

5. ASSIGNMENT 2
(Taught by Miss McCarthy)
Assignment 2 : Cross-Media Study
Understanding synergy across different media platforms. For example, the release of a
new film will result in a media wide campaign across different platforms e.g. radio,
print, internet. Candidates need to consider the different forms and how the form
influences the nature of the product. Representation and institutions must be
addressed while candidates must also engage with audience and media language.
Topic: Moving Image Production
(1000-1200 words) Compare the impact of two promotional methods used by one
film across two different media platforms. Choose from one print and one audio-
visual: A TV or cinema trailer; radio or TV interview; a film poster; a magazine article; a
web page.
Present your ideas for promoting a film or television programme across two different
media platforms. Choose from one print and one audio-visual:
A ten frame storyboard to represent a trailer appropriate for either cinema, TV, radio or internet;
a script for a radio of TV interview; a poster; a magazine article; a web page.
A brief explanation of how this addresses representation and institutions must be
included.

6. ASSIGNMENT 3
(Taught by Miss Bishop & Miss Bozdagli)
Assignment 3: Practical Production and Evaluation
Candidates undertake a practical production which addresses Media Language, Representation, Audience and
Institutions. They will also be assessed on their creativity and application of codes and conventions. Each
candidate is to submit their own individual response and, if working as part of a group, planning and evaluation
needs to show their contribution. All material must be their own. Materials sources from elsewhere must be
manipulated to show candidates originality.
Topic: Promotion of Music
A three minute music video to accompany all or part of a particular track.
For music video, confidence in handling technology can be demonstrated by:
• Careful framing of shots
• Editing appropriate to the nature of the production and audience
• Evidence of consideration given to lighting, mise-en-scene and sound
(Music video conventions could include performance, narrative, interpretation, direct address, animation, symmetrical framing and cross-cutting)
A maximum of 12 pages of planning and research material must be submitted to accompany the final piece.
Candidates should show evidence of research into existing product and potential audience. They must also
show evidence of planning such as storyboards, scripts, contact sheets etc.
A 700-800 word evaluation which should reflect upon:
• How the aims of the production have been met
• How the product applies appropriate codes an conventions and uses appropriate media language
• How the product represents people, places and events
• Where and when the product would be exhibited
• What regulations and controls might be applies to the product and how these have been taken into consideration
• The strengths and weaknesses of the product in terms of meeting the needs of its audience