A Level

Media Studies (OCR)

The A-Level course is split equally between theory and practical. 50% of grades each year are awarded for Unit 1, and 50% for an exam on Unit 2. Students create a fiction film opening as their first practical project in Y12, along with a detailed online portfolio. In their theory lessons, they learn how films can be analysed for meaning and apply this knowledge in the exam.

AS Units:

UNIT 1: Foundation Portfolio (Production)

Web-based portfolio showing investigations into the Thriller genre and detailed pre-production tasks; producing the opening of a Thriller film with titles; multimedia evaluation.

50% of AS level; 25% of A level

UNIT 2: Key Media Concepts (TV Drama)

2hr Examination:

a) TV Drama - Essay applying theoretical & technical knowledge to an unseen clip.

b) Institutions and Audiences - study the British Film Industry to understand what it is, how it works and how the web is changing it.

50% of AS level; 25% of A level

A2 Units:

UNIT 3: Advanced Portfolio (Production)

Web portfolio showing investigations into Music Videos and detailed preproduction tasks; Music Video production with supporting CD digipak & print advert; multimedia evaluation.

25% of A level marks

UNIT 4: Critical Perspectives in Media

2hr Essay-based Examination:

a) Candidates answer two compulsory questions. The first requires them to describe and

evaluate their skills development over the course of their production work, from

Foundation Portfolio to Advanced Portfolio. The second asks them to identify one

production and evaluate it in relation to one theoretical concept.

b) Discuss Contemporary Media Regulation, applying key media concepts and

considering the impact on society, the media industry and the audience.

25% of A level marks

ENTRY & SKILL REQUIREMENTS GCSE

English - Grade C (the course is writing intensive with academic essays in the examinations)

Superb time management, organization and motivation with an ability to work independently

Recommendation from Media or English teacher

Enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the media

Coherent, controlled, accurate written expression

Willingness/confidence to speak/discuss/share views

WHAT DO I NEED FOR THE COURSE?

Own PC/Laptop with access to the Internet ESSENTIAL
Own DSLR/camcorder with high quality video ADVANTAGE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
Home access to video editing software ADVANTAGE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
AS OCR Media Studies books - approx cost £20.00 RECOMMENDED

WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?

Web-based media is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Media Studies can be developed at university as a specific course as well as in courses such as advertising or ICT. Apart from the obvious avenues into TV and Film production (videography, editing, directing), the skills acquired are transferable and can be developed into a high level of ICT understanding along with the artistic and detailed analytical qualities that you will gain.

As part of the course, students will:

Understand how the media coveys ideologies regarding gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and age through media, evaluating the impact on society
Explore how the internet is changing the way we produce, experience and ‘pay’ for media – now and in the future
Develop ICT skills as part of the practical production modules, producing different pieces of media to show an understanding of genre and audience
Meet frequent strict deadlines for intensive coursework tasks while working independently
Become informed media critics, focusing on reading different forms of media and analysing them, developing an understanding of social/historical contexts
Develop skills of independent study and enhance their powers of writing and speaking, especially in group discussions