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Media Studies A Level

This specification comprises 4 units of work completed over two years.

Students in the recording studio The AS comprises two units and can be completed in the first year.

What are the entry requirements?

5 A* - C in any subjects at GCSE. You do not need to have studied Media Studies before. Students on this course should have a curiosity about the Media Industry and a desire to find out more about how media products work. An interest in practical work and a willingness to make your own media products is also important.

How will I be assessed?

The AS Units

Foundation Portfolio 25%. This is internally assessed coursework and involves you planning and making two media products from the same media area such as pages for a new music magazine and the front page for a school magazine. Alternatively you might produce a brief video such as the opening to a film.
Key Media Concepts in either TV or Radio Drama 25%. This is a two hour examination analysing media texts and looking at different media institutions.

The A2 Units:

Advanced Portfolio in Media 25%. This is an internally assessed coursework unit which will involve you putting together a portfolio of work from at least two different areas of the media for example a promotional package for a new album including a music promo video and a magazine advertisement for the DVD.
Critical Perspectives in Media 25%. This is a two hour examination studying contemporary issues in the media as well as evaluating the skills you have acquired over the course.

Future opportunities

This is an ideal course for people who want to learn more about how the media works, or who want to get some experience creating their own media products and working in a professional way. There are many courses at university which allow you to study Media further. It is useful if you are thinking about the media as a career or just want to achieve a good A level grade in an interesting subject.

Is there anything I need to know?

This course combines well with other Advanced level courses as it offers a practical element as a contrast to more traditional approaches. As 50% of your work is coursework it offers a break from examinations. It is a mix of academic theory and practical work which appeals to many students.

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My daughter has just completed her A Levels and has now left Driffield School. However, I couldn’t let the occasion go without writing to thank you and your school for looking after her and giving her such a fine education – and more. Her splendid ‘A’ Level results stand testimony to hard work on her part and a lot of effort, encouragement and perseverance from her teachers.

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I would just like to know how much I enjoyed Driffield School’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The singing, notably from pupils in the lead parts, was fabulous. The acting in every case was excellent as was the musical accompaniment from the orchestra. Well done to all involved for supporting and encouraging the students in this way.

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