Media Studies

 

 

We should look at media not as channels for communicating messages, and not as things. We should look at media as triggers for experiences and for making things happen. They can be places of conversation, exchange, and transformation. Media in the world means a fantastically messy set of networks filled with millions of sparks – some igniting new meanings, ideas, and passions, and some just fading away.

David Gauntlett

Media Studies is first studied at KS4. Engaging with Media Studies provides the opportunity to develop academic skills needed to understand the proliferation of messages, communications and social interactions and their effect on the audience and society as a whole. With a range theoretical perspectives students build the ability to be critical of texts, their intended meaning and impact. A robust theoretical framework is used as a starting point into understanding the complex media landscape in 2019 including: Audience/Representation/Media Language and Narrative. Mastery of practical skills comes through the coursework aspect of this course which build student’s capacity to work within a specific medium.

Head of Creative Arts, Technology and Media Faculty

Gwen Frye  |  gfrye@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Teachers

Oliver Rosen  |  orosen@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Mayo Ogunlabi  |  iogunlabi@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Andrea Solot  |  asolot@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Curriculum

Y11     

Autumn term

Completion of first draft of Screenplay displaying generic conventions appropriate to the genre while showing a mastery of storytelling devices through command of technical and visual codes. These include lighting, sound, camerawork and editing techniques. Learners will evaluate the work produced and accompany the screenplay with a minute worth of shooting script.
                       
Spring term

Completion of US film comparative study with a clear focus on social and historical context reflected in the 1950s Invasion of the Bodynatchers and 1980s E.T. Consideration will be given to key sequences, genre and narrative perspectives while exploring how two texts can explore the same theme in different ways for desired effects.

Critical perspectives to the independent film Juno will be assessed to gage if different viewpoints on the same film deepen our understanding of it. Key sequences and events will be studied in relation to differing reviews encouraging development of the students' own perspectives of this independent comedy.
                       
Summer term

Revision of all texts for both global and US development of film in preparation for the exam in June.

  

Suggested reading

• WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies 
• ‘Juno – Get Real’ by DeRogatis, 2008
  
  

Things to see and do

BFI Future Festival 2020

Extra-curricular activities and clubs

The media lab is open daily for screenwriting support in developing conventional awareness and description of character and events.

  

KS5