Media Studies

Our Vision

Media texts dominate the lives of many people nowadays; so much of society is affected by the Media – both in positive and negative ways. Studying the Media through an academic and critical lens will enable learners to explore this modern world, and understand complex ideas related to ideology, society and politics, and how these are heavily influenced by the texts we consume.

The subject teaches pupils to question the Media and the messages and values or representations they offer. This critical analysis not only helps pupils gain an understanding of social, historical, political and cultural issues, but also embeds skills needed for other subjects, like English.

Every pupil that studies the media will leave the course with a qualification in a modern, dynamic subject, improved literacy levels, and an ability to critically analyse media texts – particularly useful in the age of ‘fake news’.

The department is led by a passionate subject specialist who has a proven track record of excellent outcomes for pupils. Media Studies was one of the best performing subjects in last year’s exam cycle and results were well above national average. 58% of pupils achieved a 6 or above.


Studying Media Studies at KS4
3 hours per week

Year 1 of the course:

  • Analysis of ‘Media Language’, ‘Context’ and ‘Representation’ in 8 set texts (adverts, magazine covers, newspaper covers and film posters)
  • Exploration of ‘Audience’ and ‘Industry’ within the context of The Archers, Fortnite, No Time to Die (2021) and The Sun.
  • Planning and research for a ‘non-examined assessment’ where pupils will need to produce the film poster and DVD cover for their own film

Year 2 of the course

  • Completing the creative part of the ‘non-examined assessment’; producing the DVD cover and poster using original photography
  • Crime Drama – Luther and The Sweeney. Here we will analyse two crime dramas from differing contexts, using all 5 of the media approaches to critically analyse (Media language, Context, Representation, Audience and Industry)
  • Music – Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars. Here we will analyse the music videos and online media of both artists, using all 5 of the media approaches to critically analyse (Media language, Context, Representation, Audience and Industry)

*THIS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN EARLY ENTRY AT YEAR 9 FOR PUPILS