United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 10 Media Studies.
This Year 10 Media Studies curriculum introduces pupils to the theoretical framework of media, focusing on media language, representation, industries, and audiences. Students will critically analyse a range of media products and develop practical production skills in preparation for their GCSE Non-Examined Assessment (NEA).
01Introduction to the Theoretical Framework
An exploration of the four key areas of the media theoretical framework: language, representation, industries, and audiences.
Pupils explore how media products use visual and technical codes to communicate meaning. They will apply basic semiotic analysis to decode hidden messages.
Students investigate how different social groups, events, and issues are portrayed in the media. They will evaluate the impact of stereotyping on society.
An overview of how media industries operate, including funding, regulation, and the impact of conglomerates. Pupils will examine the difference between public service broadcasting and commercial media.
Pupils learn how audiences are categorised, targeted, and how they respond to media products. They will explore active and passive audience theories.
02Analysing Print and Advertising Media
A focused study on print media forms, analysing the conventions of magazines, advertising campaigns, and film marketing.
Students deconstruct the conventions of magazine front covers, analysing layout, typography, and cover lines. They will compare mainstream and independent publications.
An exploration of historical and contemporary advertising campaigns. Pupils will analyse persuasive techniques and the representation of gender in adverts.
Pupils examine how film posters use visual codes to establish genre and attract audiences. They will look at the wider marketing strategies of the film industry.
03Audio-Visual Media and Television
An investigation into moving image media, focusing on the conventions of television drama, music videos, and the video game industry.
Students analyse the narrative structures and character types typical of television crime dramas. They will study specific set episodes to understand genre conventions.
An investigation into the purpose and style of music videos, including performance, narrative, and conceptual approaches. Pupils will explore how artists construct their star persona.
Pupils explore the video game industry, focusing on audience interaction, franchise development, and age ratings. They will consider the debate around video game violence.
04News, Online Media, and Participatory Culture
A critical look at how news is constructed and consumed, alongside the rise of social media influencers and participatory digital culture.
Students compare tabloid and broadsheet newspapers, analysing news values and political bias. They will deconstruct front pages to see how stories are framed.
An examination of how news is consumed in the digital age, including the rise of citizen journalism and fake news. Pupils will evaluate the impact of social media algorithms.
Pupils study the phenomenon of vloggers and influencers, looking at how they monetise content and build parasocial relationships with audiences.
05Practical Production Skills (NEA Preparation)
Students develop the practical skills required for their Non-Examined Assessment, focusing on research, planning, photography, and design.
Students learn how to conduct primary and secondary research for their own media productions. They will create mood boards, storyboards, and flat plans.
Pupils develop practical skills in capturing original images and using editing software to manipulate them. They will focus on lighting, framing, and digital retouching.
An introduction to desktop publishing and graphic design principles. Students will learn how to combine text and image effectively to create professional print products.