Media Studies is currently available at KS4 as an Option subject. The aim of the course is to develop the students' understanding of media products and for them to be able to analyse the product's purpose and impact upon audiences, by considering the construction of the given media text and the connotations that create meaning within it. Over the course, students will build these skills to understand how the media communicates and manipulates an audience; they are then given the opportunity to do this themselves! Media is taught in an IT suite, and students have access to professional design software which will be used and accessed in lessons, and at home.

Students study the OCR Media Studies GCSE which consists of two exam papers (totalling 70% of their overall grade) and an extended design project (a Non-Exam Assessment / coursework) totalling 30% of the overall grade - students will have the choice of NEA from: a magazine; a website; their own music video; the introduction to their own film. The course covers all areas of Media, including radio, magazines, newspapers, film, TV and social media; these topics are assessed across both exams and in the NEA project.

As part of the course, students will be offered the opportunity to visit Warner Bros. Studios for a lesson and tour of the working studio. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend talks with guest speakers from media professionals and higher education establishments whilst in school to help provide a deeper level of understanding of the course and potential career prospects.

The faculty ensures students are supported across the course to ensure that they can reach their full potential. GCSE revision sessions take place in class when the key content of the course has concluded, and teachers will make additional time available after school for additional NEA work and support. Media classes are relaxed, yet focused, and we encourage students to build their resilience and independence to prepare them for their next steps after the GCSE examinations.