Media

Subject Leader: Mrs A Walker

Overview

The Media Department has been judged as good with outstanding features based on the most recent department review.

Mrs Walker is the Subject Leader for Media Studies and Miss Bishop is the CTEC course leader.

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 help students to add a more professional standard to finished practical productions. 

Strengths

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

Students make outstanding progress in very carefully planned, structured lessons where they are challenged and work is differentiated according to ability. 

Students are well supported by help sheets, key vocabulary, open ended questioning and focus on those who may need extra attention by LSAs or the teacher.

There is a very robust tracking system in place 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.   

Results

GCE Film Studies: In 2018, 100% of students achieved A* - C and 80% A* - B, with a Value Added score of 0.51.

The External Moderators report was very complimentary about the coursework produced.  

BTEC Level 3 Media Studies: In the final year of BTEC Level 3 Media Studies, results were once again outstanding. Twelve students achieved a Distinction*, one student a Distinction and one student gained a Merit.           

Students’ views and attitudes

Media lessons promote an outstanding atmosphere for learning. 

Students show a desire to learn and collaborate together as well as taking responsibility for their own learning.

Students feel safe and supported and so are confident to offer answers to the class and seek clarification. 

Students enjoy the creative freedom and relish 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 and 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 9 Media students took part in a Digital Study Day at Roehampton University led by Lloyds Bank. Here they developed a business plan focussing on a marketing campaign targeting a specific audience.

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

Destinations

In 2018, four out of the five Film Studies students went on to study a Film or Media related degree at University.  Courses included Filmaking, Theatre Performance with Film Studies, Cultural Studies and Media and Advertising. Once BTEC student went on to study Graphic Design.

Future Developments

To ensure all students make outstanding progress with a focus on the progress of boys.

To focus on reviewing / revising curriculum content at KS4 and KS5.