Media Studies
Head of Department: Dave Clemow
Welcome to Media Studies at Ivybridge Community College.
Media Studies is a dynamic and highly relevant subject that helps students understand the powerful role media plays in shaping how we see the world. In an increasingly digital and media-saturated society, the ability to critically analyse information, recognise bias and understand “fake news” and representation is essential.
Our course is designed to develop confident, independent learners who can both analyse and create media effectively. Students explore how media messages are constructed, how audiences interpret them, and how media influences identity, culture, politics and society.
Our Vision
We aim to develop students who are:
- Critical consumers of media
- Skilled creators of media content
- Confident in evaluating information and ideology
- Independent, reflective and creative learners
Media literacy is at the heart of our curriculum, focusing on both how media is used and created, and its wider impacts on individuals and society.
Curriculum Approach
Our curriculum is designed to be:
- Relevant to the modern media landscape
- Accessible and clearly structured
- Supported by digital platforms such as Google Classroom
- Built around retrieval practice and knowledge development
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through independent study, structured resources and guided creative work.
Learning Experience
Students will:
- Develop analytical and critical thinking skills
- Study a range of media forms and texts
- Understand media theory and representation
- Engage in practical and creative media production
- Participate in extra-curricular opportunities such as film screenings and industry visits
Media Studies equips students with valuable skills for further study and a wide range of careers in creative industries, communications, journalism, marketing and beyond.
Key Stage 4
Media Studies is a popular and important subject that explores how media influences society. In today’s digital world, students develop the ability to critically evaluate information, recognise bias and understand how media shapes our views of people, places and events.
Research highlights the importance of media literacy, with the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice at Bournemouth University stating that Media Studies should be part of education to help young people identify fake news and disinformation. As Professor Sonia Livingstone (London School of Economics) notes, young people must be able to evaluate sources and communicate effectively in a fast-changing digital environment.
Course Overview
Students follow the Eduqas Media Studies specification over three years.
They study the key concepts:
- Media Language
- Audience
- Representation
- Institutions
Alongside this, students develop:
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills
- Creative production skills
Assessment
- 70% written examinations
- 30% non-examined assessment (practical coursework)
Exam Board: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Key Stage 5
Media Studies is a highly relevant and engaging subject that explores the powerful role of media in modern society. With adults in Great Britain consuming media for almost eight hours a day, students are constantly exposed to representations that shape their understanding of the world, politics, culture and identity. Media Studies helps students critically analyse these messages and understand how they influence audiences.
Course Overview
This is a creative and academic course following the Eduqas specification. Students study both theory and practical production, developing a strong understanding of how media is constructed and interpreted.
Students explore key theoretical approaches including:
- Semiotics and Structuralism
- Feminism and Marxism
- Postmodernism and Post-colonialism
- Reception Theory and Liberal Pluralism
They also gain hands-on experience creating industry-standard media products.
Media Forms Studied
Students analyse a wide range of media, including:
- Television and film
- Magazines and newspapers
- Online and social media
- Advertising and marketing
- Music videos, radio and video games
They also explore how social, historical, political and economic contexts influence media production and meaning.
Assessment
- 35% Media Products, Industries and Audiences
- 35% Media Forms and Products in Depth
- 30% Non-examined assessment (cross-media production)
Skills Developed
Students develop valuable transferable skills including:
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Research and evaluation
- Creativity and production skills
- Essay writing and communication
- Time management and independent learning
Enrichment and Opportunities
Students benefit from links with industry professionals and organisations such as the British Film Institute, Film Hub South West, Plymouth College of Art and The Watermark, alongside educational visits and workshops.
Careers and Progression
Media Studies supports progression to university and careers in a fast-growing industry, including:
- Film and television production
- Journalism and advertising
- Digital marketing and interactive media
- Web design, post-production and special effects
It provides a strong foundation for further study in Media, Communications and related creative industries.
Exam Board: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies-asa-level/#tab_keydocuments
For more information, please contact the College here: