Curriculum Intent

The GCSE Media Studies course by Eduqas is broken down into 3 components. All the components look at the different forms of media available to us and how they are created to inform, entertain and persuade us in our everyday lives.

Component 1 is called “Exploring the Media” and is assessed through a written exam of 1 hour and 30 minutes, accounting for 40% of the final grade. Students will study newspapers, advertising and marketing, magazines, radio, video games and film as different forms of media, and how their methods vary for their different target audiences. Students will have to study set pieces of work in the media sector, such as Vogue, GQ, No Time to Die, The Guardian, The Sun, Quality Street, NHS 111 and This Girl Can.

Component 2 looks at “Understanding Media Forms and Products” and again is assessed through a written exam taking 1 hour and 30 minutes, counting for 30% of the final grade. This component looks at more familiar forms of media to students, looking at the television and music industries. Again, there are set pieces of work that students must study that fit either the crime drama or sitcom genres for television. Specific music videos and online media platforms for specific artists are required for the music topic.

Component 3 aims for students to experience “Creating Media Products”. This is done through a piece of coursework responding to a set brief from the exam board. Here, students have to apply their knowledge and understanding of media language and representation in order to be successful. The brief choices will be from any of the following:

Television – Creating a sequence or website to promote a new TV programme

Advertising and Marketing Music – Creating a music video or website to promote a new artist/band

Advertising and Marketing Film – Print based marketing material for a new film

Magazines – Create a new print or online magazine

This varied course is an excellent course for anyone who enjoys the media and those with creative and technically minded interests. It offers good experience in basic skills that can be furthered post-16 for anyone interested in media-based roles.