Media Studies
In 2014, the UK government reported that the creative industries were worth £8 million an hour to the UK economy. From EastEnders to Guardians of the Galaxy, the UK holds the talent and resources that produce some of the most innovative and imaginative film and television in the world. With internationally recognised studios and production houses, and a reputation for developing some of the best talent in the business, this is one of the areas where the UK leads the rest of the world.
Media plays an important role for the whole of society. It gives us immense knowledge and transmits information – Media keeps us informed about everything going on in the world. Creative Media considers how we understand, utilise and apply social media and the internet, as well as publishing, audio and visual mediums. These are formats all students and families have access to, and the more that students understand this world then the more they can succeed in it.
During the course there are high expectations from the teachers, with regular challenge through having to learn new skills; such as how to edit film. A range of media is explored to give greater understanding of how it can be used to influence an audience. Students are expected to engage in varying types of media and express their own opinion on how it made them feel, and what it made them think. This includes comparing modern and older types of publishing, and the positive/negative outcomes of it. During this process students are encouraged to use media products of their own choice as examples, meaning a great opportunity for personalised cultural interest.
Creative Media also offers the students a chance to become IT literate and independent. Most tasks are created in an interactive manner where students can learn at their own pace and control their leaning through choosing the resources they use. Students learn about audiences, genre, industry, narrative and representation. The qualification includes differing units that develop a student’s professional understanding of the industry, and introduces film, radio, publishing and television production skills. Students learn to write proposals and pitches for a commission, and to develop a film and television treatment outlining their ideas and concepts. They learn to work together in teams, and also individually, to produce different projects.