Welcome to GCSE Media!

Welcome to GCSE Media Studies - we have a brilliant two-year journey ahead of us and can't wait to get started! 

Over the next two years you will produce some amazing production work, learn a huge amount about analysing the media and end up with an excellent GCSE grade. All you need to do is put the work in!

Your first job is to start your GCSE Media blog. You can find step-by-step text instructions here. Once you have your blog URL, post it as a comment below with your name clearly written next to it. For example:

Mr Pall's blog: http://mediamacguffingcse.blogspot.co.uk/ 

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely essential you remember your log-in details for this blog - it is your Media work book for next two years. Make sure you do the following:

1. If possible, add your mobile phone number so you can get a code by text if you forget your password
2. Email your log-in details to yourself using your SCHOOL email address
3. Write a reminder of your blog URL, log-in and password in your planner

First blog task

When you have set up your blog, it's time for your first blog post! Important: make sure you click on 'New Post' and NOT 'New Blog' when starting this process - it is a common mistake.

You need to answer the following questions (detailed answers in full sentences please) as your first post:

1) Which part of the course are you looking forward to most?

2) What knowledge and skills do you hope to learn in Media?

3) What grade are you realistically hoping to achieve in Media?

4) What was the last TV programme or film you watched?

5) Why do you think that TV programme or film appealed to an audience?

6) What technology have you used to access the media in the last 24 hours? (Radio, TV, phone etc.)

7) What device do you use most to access the media?

8) Watch this clip from acclaimed BBC drama series Sherlock:

9) What do we learn about the characters from this brief clip?

10) What aspects of this show do you think an audience might enjoy? List at least three things and explain why the audience would enjoy each aspect.

Extension question: What can you spot in Sherlock that you will find in most television dramas? E.g. characters, dramatic music etc.) These are called key conventions - list as many as you can think of.

Note: If the YouTube clip isn't working please let your Media teacher know. While you're waiting for the issue to be resolved, read up on this episode of Sherlock on the brilliant IMDB website.

Finish these questions for homework if you don't manage to get through them in the lesson - due first lesson next week.

If you DO finish everything - well done! Spend some time looking through our Media blog, particularly at last year's Media student blogs. This will give you an idea of the fantastic work you will be producing over the next two years.