MEDIA STUDIES GCSE (Double Award)

Examination Board   AQA

Assessment   Unit 1: Investigating the Media - Examination Paper based on pre-released material 20%
                     Unit 2: Understanding the Media - Coursework: three assignments (practical and written) 30%

                    Unit 3: Exploring Media Industries - Examination Paper based on portfolio (short answer) 20%
                    Unit 4: Responding to a Media Brief - Coursework: production and evaluation 30%

Why is it Useful:

The Double Award GCSE is designed to help you develop a wide variety of skills you would use within media industries and across a range of other institutions. These key skills cover areas including: working with others, using ICT and media technology, presenting ideas, planning, research and being creative. It is worth TWO GCSEs and is therefore designed for students who want to study the subject in depth through practical work and short answer examination.

What does it involve?
It has some similarities to Single Award GCSE but, instead of writing in depth essay answers, you will be required to undertake a series of media productions and related tasks within a work-based environment — you will have clients, budgets and deadlines. It is designed to give you an insight into industrial and professional practices. Your preparation, planning and research all go towards your mark. All the evidence for these elements is compiled in evidence folders. You will use these portfolios to prepare for your short answer examination.

If you are good at the following you will do well at Double Award GCSE:

organisation and group work (designing/drawing),research and presentation of projects (exploring companies and the products they make), technical work (using cameras and computers), performance (in front of the camera) and working in an on-going way as you develop a project (coursework).

You do not have to be good at all of these things but you must be willing to participate and motivated to learn.

What will it lead to?
For some of you this could be a stepping-stone to the study of AS and A2 Level Media Communication and Production in the Sixth Form or the next level of a vocational course at college designed to prepare you for work. Media students have a range of interdisciplinary skills that are desirable to universities and employers.

MEDIA STUDIES GCSE

Examination Board    AQA

Assessment  Unit 1: Investigating the Media - Examination Paper based on pre-released material 40%
                    Unit 2: Understanding the Media - Coursework: three assignments (practical and written) 60%

Why is it Useful?

The 'average' person in this country watches 28 hours of television each week. 'The Sun' sells nearly four million copies every day and is probably read by about twelve million people each day. Recently it has become possible to watch more television channels than ever before - and many for 24 hours a day. The media - television, press and radio, influences us all. Media Studies looks at HOW we are influenced. If you take the course, you will hopefully become more critical of what you see, hear and read. The course is particularly useful when combined with other humanities or arts courses.

What does it involve?

To complete the Media Studies course you have to submit a coursework folder containing three assignments, as well as completing a practical video project that must be accompanied by a full written evaluation.
If you are good at the following you will do well at Media Studies: organisation and group work (designing and planning), research and presentation of projects, technical work (using cameras and computers) and performance (in front of the camera). You do not have to be good at all of these things but you must be able to write to a high standard.

What will it lead to ?

Many students go on to study A/S and A2 Level Media Studies, which is available in the Sixth Form.
You can go on to university or college to take a degree in the subject.
Media Studies is useful in a variety of careers, including journalism, television and/or radio production, advertising, photography, design, public relations or even teaching!