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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Anyone's LO taking MEDIA STUDIES as an option?

46 replies

MaureenMLove · 25/03/2009 20:03

I really should know the in's and out's of it, since I work in a secondary school, but I haven't had time to visit Media department to find out much about it!

DD wants to do Media Studies as an option next year and my pita mother has suggested it's an easy option and turned her snobby nose up at me!

I assume its not an easy option, is it?

OP posts:

Habbibu · 26/03/2009 23:10

Hmm. Well, there is a good argument to say that understanding journalism/the press/tv news etc etc is a very valid subject of study and critical for a proper and reasoned understanding of current affairs, just as Film is surely just as valid a subject of study as theatre. BUT that said, I think Media Studies courses are seen as a soft option by many students, both at school and university level, and that means it's difficult to really develop a perception of academic validity and rigour, even if the quality of research in these areas is extremely high.

So - personally I'd discourage Media Studies just now, but would be keen to see the most useful elements being taught in the curriculum somewhere. And by this I do not mean primary school pupils learning how to use Twitter.

(I also wouldn't pay much attention to Chris Woodhead, personally. Bah.)

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 26/03/2009 23:14

Well I can safely say that with two journalists for parents my children get all the media studies they need at home. And looking at the specimen exam paper TSAP linked to, intellectual challange wasn't the first term that leapt to mind.
But, in theory of course you are right, Habbibu.

Habbibu · 26/03/2009 23:23

I didn't look at the paper - don't know anything about current courses, so am not qualified to speak on it. But yes, in theory I'm right - don't know quite how you'd get it to work in practice.

edam · 26/03/2009 23:24

I find NEVER listening to Chris Woodhead serves me just fine. If am accidentally contaminated with his views - via the Today programme, usually - it's pretty safe to assume the opposite of what he's saying.

(LGP - my ds also has the benefit of two journalist parents, but I don't think it would be such a bad thing for children who don't have such access to how the media works to find out a little more about it. As I said, haven't read the link, though, the course may well be pants.)

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 26/03/2009 23:38

Although I cannot bring myself to agree that the GCSE Media Studies course, as currently constituted, is an option worth the serious consideration of any intelligent teenager, I do agree that Chris Woodhead is an arse.

CherryChoc · 26/03/2009 23:51

I did media studies because I wanted to work in Media. It was awful and I got a D because I ended up skipping most of the lessons. I did my A Levels at college 2 years late (had been doing a vocational design course, didn't get enough UCAS points for Uni, was trying to make them up with A Levels.) The class was about 80% full of students who wanted a doss subject and about 20% full of people who were actually interested in media. The people who wanted a doss subject were really immature and used to make comments at me in class like "Are you a lesbian?? Giggle Giggle" Having been in a much more mature environment for 2 years I was not sitting around to listen to that and the teachers were useless so I stopped going and therefore didn't complete my coursework.

But having said that, as soon as my AS Level exams were over I started looking for work and by July I was working for a graphics company locally. When I got my results I told them about the D and they laughed.

Go for Photography. Media Studies could be a good option but the courses are all useless. It's a shame though as the subject matter is fascinating. Photography is taken much more seriously and is fun! Usually the teachers have an interest in the subject as well and might be able to help your DD get some underwater photography experience.

For anyone's DCs that are interested in working in the media I was given a fantastic bit of advice by somebody who does. Find out what exactly it is you want to do first - you will never be taken seriously if you just say "I want to work in the media" - it's like saying you want to work with "Sciency stuff" if you want to be a Marine Biologist, or a Brain Surgeon, or an Atomic Physicist. Find out an area you want to specialise in - say, TV Production, Advertising Design, Fashion Photography or something - and focus on that or related things. Never do a general Media course at A Level or University, it's always best to do one slightly less usual or on a bordering subject (So Photography, or Advertising, or Music Production) as it gives you something different on your CV. And do as much extra-curricular stuff as you can - so maybe a film-making evening course at college - as they are a bit more obviously optional than school subjects you get more people who are taking it seriously.

Sorry for the essay!

edam · 27/03/2009 10:36

Yup, agree with you LGP, am prepared to believe GSCE media studies might be pants (looks as if science is as well from today's news). I did say not instead of an academic subject.

CherryChoc, I'd say work experience, work experience, work experience is far more likely to help towards getting an actual job in some branch of the media. Think getting in there are meeting people had far more to do with me getting my first staff post than any qualifications (which are in traditional 'academic' subjects anyway).

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 27/03/2009 10:40

Edam - my first editor was an old local newspaper hound who despised the graduates he was reluctantly compelled to employ and wouldn't have touched a media studies graduate with a compositor's stick. He taught me a lot!

blossombelle · 27/03/2009 10:51

The top flight unis won't count Media Studies for a science degree - she would be better to do separate sciences at GCSE and Science/Maths at A-level and really concentrate on her extra curricular interests ie. diving and photography as this will be of more interest when it comes to UCAS forms in a couple of years.
I did a science degree with an A in English at A-Level and even this raised an eyebrow at interview.
Media studies does not = work in media, she would be better to continue a good scientific back ground and then do further training at post grad or vocational stage.
A job in media is often luck anyway, or the means to work for free/for very little before positions come up.
(IMO media studies is relevant these days, but the GCSE is a joke and many of the courses are no reflection on the really interesting research currently being done in this field )

flamingtoaster · 27/03/2009 10:55

If she wants to be a marine biologist (and to keep her options open in case she changes her mind) she should not take Media Studies. Good universities do not expect good candidates to have taken it. She can always take a residential summer photography course if she is definitely going down that route (or a local course if you have one).

GrinnyPig · 27/03/2009 11:08

I agree that media studies is an easy option and should not be considered as a serious GCSE, however, if for example her other choices include English language, English lit, Maths, triple Science, a language, history or geography, then I don't see any harm in making up the numbers with a subject she enjoys. Just make sure she realises that it can't be considered as an option at A level as it just wouldn't be counted for a Marine Biology course.

Original poster

MaureenMLove · 27/03/2009 16:31

Thankyou everyone! (Which one of you is my mother then?)

I'm not even sure how many options she'll be given or what exactly they do for options are her school yet! I'm far too excited about flinging her into her chosen field!

There is no getting away from it, she is academic. She started Year 8 on 6a for Science and Maths and her English is not far behind (all this from an average comp too!) I know a lot can change, but we're almost on the home stretch of Yr8 and she's keeping up the grades.

Media Studies is defo a no no then? I think even if she needs an extra to throw in, I'd rather suggest Food Tech now!

OP posts:

aig · 28/03/2009 15:06

My DD did media studies at GCSE and A level (alongside English Lit and Drama). As taught in her school it was a good subject and has had huge impact on her skills of analysis and writing. At GCSE I think it is an interesting option and she should do it if she wants to!

5Foot5 · 01/04/2009 13:13

At dd's school Media Studies is offered as an alternative to English Literature.

We have been given the strong impression that the more academic kids who are reasonably good at English are expected to take Eng Lit, so I think Media Studies is seen as the softer option.

LongDroopyBoobyLady · 01/04/2009 13:24

We've just chosen options for DD and her school does not offer Media Studies to the more capable students.

mumblecrumble · 02/04/2009 22:47

Just covered several A level media lessons.

Twas pish. Sorry but it was. Head is always like " media studies get such amazing results..... be like them,,,," and now I know why....

I am bitter as am music teacher...

WilfSell · 02/04/2009 23:01

Do you know what? When you've all read Roland Barthes, Norman Fairclough, Ien Ang, David Morley and can write a level 4 essay outlining the key features of the typifications of particular genres using both discursive content analysis and an appreciation of the critical weaknesses of the hypodermic model of culture, then I think you're probably qualified to comment on how academic a subject Meeja Studies is.

But hey, what do I know?

WilfSell · 02/04/2009 23:06

Oh god. I don't even want to defend the bloody subject. Sorry. I think it probably is (in school) the refuge of the uninterested.

But the subject itself is entirely relevant and as difficult as teachers (and examination boards) choose to make it.

It drives me nuts.

I'd still probably rather my sons preferred chemistry though

mumblecrumble · 02/04/2009 23:18

level 4 is alevel though, post was about GCSE wasn;t it....

DaniellaC · 02/04/2009 23:36

Don't know about gcse but I take A level media and it is not an easy subject!
I have stayed behind an extra 3 hours every night this week to work on my project. It takes an awful lot of work outside of school.
The exam is also hard the questions might seem easy but unless you know all the different analysis techniques you are very unlikely to get a pass.

bagsforlife · 03/04/2009 09:04

None of my DCs have taken media studies at their grammar school. They do not offer the subject at all.

But this thread illustrates the two tier system that is going on at the moment. Many children are encouraged to take media studies and are told it is a worthwhile, academic subject, accepted by 'top' universities etc, when the reality (rightly or wrongly) is that it is seen as a second rate subject.

I am in no position to argue whether it is a 'hard' subject or not, although some of the posters here have made me change my orignal, totally un-informed view of what is entailed in a 'meeja' studies course.

What are students/parents meant to do when offered this subject when they are not being informed of the ridicule they will be subjected to if they actually try to pass it off as a serious subject later on in their lives?

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