Through creativity we foment insight and an understanding of the forces that shape our culture.
The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses.
MALCOLM X
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
See calendar for details
Why Study this Subject?
The media affects us all on a daily basis. It entertains us in the evenings and informs us with rolling 24-hour news. It aims to persuade us with a barrage of adverts and leaflets or helps us to stay in touch online. Love it or hate it, very few of us will escape the influence of the media and for many of us it is present from the moment we wake to our radio alarm to the moment we turn off the television at night.
We study a variety of different forms ranging from movies to newspapers, television to advertising, radio to websites, games design to magazines and in each case we delve into how the creators of different media products foster success. We attempt to mimic these media outlets – for instance, the record companies marketing a new band or the games designers sniffing out trends that they can exploit – and in the process learn how to manipulate audiences and engender beliefs and desires in the general public. The skills we inculcate would help our students towards any career where creativity, independence of thought and a questioning mind are valued.
Topics of Study and Assignments
Media Studies GCSE has two distinct courses:
The Single Award offers students the chance to achieve a GCSE grade in Media Studies at the end of Year 11. Students will complete two individual Controlled Assessments and one that can be tackled either individually or in small groups. They will then sit one 90 minute exam at the end of Year 11. Controlled Assessments - 60%: Exam - 40%.
The Double Award offers students the chance to achieve two GCSE grades in Media Studies at the end of Year 11. Students will complete two individual Controlled Assessments and two that can be tackled either individually or in small groups. They will then sit two 90 minute exams at the end of Year 11. Controlled Assessments - 60%: Exams - 40%.
The Team
Dave Fouracre, BA Hons, PGCE, has been an English teacher for 21 years and a Media Studies teacher for the last 13 years. His interests include cinematography, contemporary literature and blogging.
Events and Activities
Extra-curricular
Contact
Email: davidfouracre@varndean.co.uk
Brilliant CPD session with @PieCorbett in conjunction with @brightdome on T4W today! #collaboration #bodypercussion @BeatGoesOnUK
Fantastic presentations by T&L team on literacy and vocab strategies this past two weeks @VarndeanScience @MrsCox_DC #luckyschoolstaff
Kicking off INSET with our 'Bring and Brag' breakfast....spot those with the 'sharing is caring' chocs for those T&L tips being implemented tomorrow! #challenge #pride #teamwork @VarndeanSchool https://t.co/ysyNCBiOA3
Yr 11 trying out their note taking tips from Session 1 in an Inspector Calls lecture @VarndeanSchool #LEDday #TeamEnglish Top tips for all! @MrsCox_DC @OntheQTS https://t.co/5kY7t0Db13
Had an uplifting FGB meeting tonight @BrackenburyPri ALL staff have worked SO hard to redesign the school and it has made such a difference to the already generous learning environment. The community is so lucky to have such an amazing school on their doorstep. #brackenburybest https://t.co/HBxQHgUOnp