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Media Studies<br />
Overview<br />
Like it or not, the media is one of the biggest<br />
influences on your life and, consequently, not to<br />
be ignored. It plays a critical role in helping to form<br />
people’s views about a huge range of subjects and<br />
we should be wary of its power. It is said that Rupert<br />
Murdoch is the most powerful person in the world<br />
but while politicians are elected, he is unelected and<br />
therefore unaccountable.<br />
Approach<br />
The emphasis is on full pupil involvement in the<br />
course of study. Group work is a common feature<br />
of the course so it is important that you enjoy this<br />
form of working. The practical components, which<br />
represent 50% of the marks in each year, are<br />
underpinned by media concepts and theory which<br />
also form the basis of the other units. Good reading<br />
and writing skills are a real advantage. It is also<br />
important that you are able to work independently.<br />
Great use is made of computers with software such<br />
as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher being<br />
available for production work in the second year.<br />
In both years, you will create your own media blog<br />
to support your production assignments. Most of all<br />
you can succeed if you are enthusiastic, determined,<br />
responsible and well organised. Having a genuine<br />
interest in the media and being willing to extend<br />
your horizons are both important requirements.<br />
This is a good A level to do if you think you may<br />
want a media career. There are many media related<br />
courses at university should you want to go further.<br />
But the subject is valid for entry to nearly all courses<br />
at higher education. Good participation will<br />
demonstrate that you have initiative, can work<br />
independently and with others, and can cope with<br />
some theoretical issues. You will also be able to take<br />
with you any products you have produced for the<br />
practical components; these may be of interest to<br />
universities or prospective employers.<br />
The school has a Television Studio equipped with<br />
digital video cameras and six Avid editing suites<br />
for pupil use. Avid is the industry standard editing<br />
facility. An experienced, professional technician<br />
teaches pupils how to film and edit and closely<br />
supervises these aspects of the practical productions<br />
in both years. The standard of pupil achievement<br />
has been very high.<br />
64<br />
Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015
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