The GCSE course offers learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of these key issues and the ability to debate important questions about the media. It introduces them to a theoretical framework for analysing the media, which also underpins study of the media at AS and A level.

GCSE Media Studies offers a broad, coherent and engaging course of study which enables learners to:

• Demonstrate skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of important media issues
• Develop appreciation and critical understanding of the media and their role both historically and currently in society, culture and politics
• Understand and apply specialist subject-specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed in order to make informed arguments, reach substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues
• Appreciate how theoretical understanding supports practice and practice supports theoretical understanding
• Develop practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production.