Subject Leader: Mrs A Walker

Overview

The Media Department is judged to be good with outstanding features.

Media resources include: an editing suite; access to a wide range of video cameras; sound recording and editing equipment and a full range of video editing and graphic design software. A green screen, seven tripods and lights also add a more professional standard to finished practical productions. 

Mrs Walker is the Subject Leader for Media Studies and Miss Coady is the BTEC course leader.

Strengths

GCE Film Studies results were very pleasing with 100% of students achieving A* - C and 67% A* - B.

BTEC Level 3 Media Studies results continue to be outstanding. In 2015/16 80% of results were at Distinction* and Distinction.

Students make outstanding progress in very carefully planned, structured lessons where they are challenged and work is differentiated according to ability.  They are well supported by help sheets, key vocabulary, open ended questionning and focus on those who may need extra attention by LSAs or the teacher.

The Subject Leader for Media Studies is very organised, has clarity and has communicated her vision to the department very successfully.  Meetings and briefings are used to build the team ethos, share best practice and develop staff knowledge.

There is a very robust tracking system with close and detailed monitoring of students’ work.

Students are given opportunities to personalise coursework which results in high levels of engagement.  BTEC briefs are detailed and adapted to suit the needs of individual students, covering both practical and theoretical units.

Written and oral feedback is exemplary with teachers explaining clearly how to make the next steps.                  

Students’ views and attitudes

There is an outstanding learning atmosphere in lessons.  Students show a desire to learn and collaborate together well but are also able to take responsibility for their own learning.  They feel safe and supported so are confident to offer answers to the class and seek clarification.  Students enjoy the creative freedom and the opportunity to use new technology. 

Group work is a strength.  Examples include: students in groups with an expert who then teaches the others; groups constructively criticising each others’ coursework; formal group presentations.


Some comments from students include:

“BTEC Media is amazing, we have enjoyed it very much. We would recommend it to other people.”

GCSE Media Studies: “It is my favourite lesson. It’s the lesson I rush to get to.” 

Enrichment and intervention

Year 11 Media students take part in an examination topic workshop which helps to inform their studies for the GCSE examination.

Year 12 Film students go to the British Film Institute research library to do the wider reading for their Year 13 coursework module.  

A new Key Stage 4 A* Club was set up which supported students to achieve their target grades. 

Destinations

In 2016 eight students have gone on to start a media related degree at University.  Courses include Filmaking, Television, Media and Communication and Advertising

Future Developments

Increasing the numbers of top grades at A level.

Ensuring that even more students at Key Stage 4 gain a C+ grade in Media Studies.