United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 12 Media Studies.
This Year 12 Media Studies curriculum introduces students to the theoretical frameworks underpinning contemporary media. Students will critically analyse media language, representation, industries, and audiences across various platforms, preparing them for advanced A-Level study.
01Media Language and Representation
An introduction to the foundational theories of semiotics, narrative, and representation in modern media texts.
Students explore how meaning is created through visual, audio, and technical codes. They will apply Roland Barthes' semiotic theory to print and audio-visual texts.
An investigation into how stories are told across different media forms. Students will evaluate theories by Todorov and Propp in relation to modern media.
A critical examination of how media products represent social groups, focusing on gender and ethnicity. Students will engage with Stuart Hall's theories of representation.
02Media Industries and Audiences
A deep dive into the commercial realities of media production, ownership, and the evolving nature of audience consumption.
Students investigate the impact of media conglomerates and monopolies on content production. They will analyse Curran and Seaton's power and media industries theory.
An exploration of how technological advancements have blurred the lines between different media sectors. Students will assess the shift from traditional to digital distribution.
This topic covers how media industries target specific demographics and psychographics. Students will explore how marketing strategies are tailored to distinct audience segments.
Students debate the extent to which audiences are influenced by media texts. They will contrast the Hypodermic Syringe model with Uses and Gratifications theory.
03News and Online Media
An analysis of traditional print journalism alongside the rise of participatory digital culture and the challenges of online regulation.
A study of the changing landscape of newspapers in the UK. Students will compare broadsheets and tabloids, analysing their distinct news values and political leanings.
Students examine the rise of citizen journalism and user-generated content. They will apply Clay Shirky's 'End of Audience' theory to modern digital platforms.
An investigation into the proliferation of misinformation online and the challenges of regulating digital spaces. Students will debate the role of IPSO and Ofcom.
04Television and Global Broadcasting
An exploration of the television industry, focusing on public service broadcasting, global formats, and contemporary drama.
A comparative analysis of the BBC's remit against commercial broadcasters like ITV or Sky. Students will explore funding models and their impact on programming.
Students explore how television formats are franchised and adapted for international markets. They will consider the cultural implications of globalised media.
An in-depth look at how modern television dramas construct complex representations of society. Students will analyse a specific long-form drama case study.