Curriculum Intent
As educators, our ambition is to prepare young people for a 21st century where it is more important than ever that they are skilled analysts and creators of media. In an era of 24 hour global communication, fake news and limitless choice students need to be able to choose, question, critique and produce the media that have such an impact on our attitudes, lifestyles and beliefs.
To this end, the Media Studies curriculum at SHSG aims to provide our students with these skills whilst expanding their cultural competency. Working within and beyond the parameters of the examination specification, we encourage our students to be critical consumers of the media by equipping them with the specific media terminology and skills to effectively analyse chosen examples of the media.
As their skills develop, academic rigour is reinforced by the exploration and application of media theory. The combination of these skills provides students with an enriched appreciation of how the media industry and producers operate.
Within each unit, opportunities are provided to enable students to combine their theoretical understanding with practical activities that develop and embed their understanding of codes and conventions. With access to Apple Mac computers and industry standard software such as Photoshop, students can produce practical work of the highest quality. Practical work is shared and celebrated, and the students can reach their potential in an enjoyable and stimulating manner.
The fact that the vast majority of A level students go on to study media/marketing or journalism type degrees is testament to the enthusiasm and passion they have for the subject.
It is our ambition to support Media students to develop coherent lines of original thought, to question the role of global institutions and audiences. To enable them to innovate, create and present their ideas in high quality products across convergent media platforms.
What does it feel like to be a student in the Media Studies Department?
Never before has Media literacy been more important. You have chosen a subject that is arguably one of the most relevant studies of the century. An industry that is constantly evolving and that has global reach needs to be studied.
The ideal Media student is curious, creative, self motivated, excited by innovation, enlightened in attitude and ready to embrace all the opportunities the Media department offers.
The BBC School News report has informed students career choices, alumni offer advice and in some cases work experience. Our students consistently win national competitions for their production work.
We will give you every opportunity to exceed your ambitions in academic and creative realms, do you accept the challenge?