In a world where communication has never been more important, we want students to understand and question how their world and lived experience is shaped, presented and re-presented by a broad range of media ‘texts’, from feature films to games, digital advertisements to reality television – and by doing so, inspire them to achieve their potential. “
Miss M. Downes
Head of Media Studies
Subject Overview
Pupils from Key Stages 3 and 4 who are interested in journalism, working in television or video editing are invited to join the Broadcast News Club which meets on Mondays of Week 1 and Wednesdays of Week 2. This will lead to students from Shire Oak taking part in the BBC’s School Report in the Spring term, where they will create a TV news report which could be shown on local or national TV news bulletins.
Although Media Studies is not taught discretely during KS3 or KS4, it performs a vital role within English and draws upon the skills students already have in textual analysis from their studies in English Language and Literature.”
During Key Stage 3, pupils encounter Media through the study of magazine and newspaper articles, advertisements and other non-fiction texts. Pupils are encouraged to use their critical skills to engage with the text and its relationship to accompanying supporting images.
In KS4, GCSE English specifications require the analysis of, and ability to produce, a broad range of texts including non-fiction and reportage texts. Therefore, the approaches taken to Media in KS3 are vital, underpinning the learning required for success in English GCSEs.
In KS5, Shire Oak Academy offers a BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate Award in Creative Digital Media. The course adopts a highly practical approach to working within the media industry, underpinned by theoretical approaches to Media such as reception theory and feminist approaches. Combining elements of research, journalism, and photography, the course is diverse and engaging.
Staff
Miss M. Downes
Mrs A Bell
Mr D Eley
Mrs M Heath
Prospects
Level 4 Apprenticeships
Degree-level qualifications in Media and other related subjects such as English, Photography, Art & Design, Psychology and Sociology
The BTEC carries UCAS points equivalent to a grade A* at A-Level for a Distinction*, A at A-Level for a Distinction, C at A-Level for a Merit and E at A-Level for a Pass. As such it can be used to apply for degree-level qualifications as part of UCAS applications.