Media Studies

Media Studies is offered as a half-year option in Year 9 & 10 and a full option in Year 12 & 13

Year 9 Media
Year 9 Media runs as a one term option. Students will experience one of the following modules.

Into Action!
In this practical module you will be storyboarding and scripting your own short films and working together in groups to film. You will learn: basic film language, how to operate the cameras, script writing, storyboarding skills, sequence filming.

On the Box
In this module you will study such popular teen television genres as sitcoms, soaps or talk shows. You will study the features of these genres and how they work in attracting viewers. You will have the opportunity to make your own story book which you will film. By the end of the module you will have an understanding of:

The vocabulary of film and television language.

What ‘genre’ means, how different genre work on teenage audiences, one genre in depth, how to operate the cameras.

NB: Into Action! runs in modules 1 and 4 due to the weather at that time of the year being more suitable for filming.

Year 10 Media
Year 10 Media runs as a half year course across two terms. Students will complete both modules.

Take One Partner!
This module will give you the opportunity to develop your filming and editing skills. You do not have to have undertaken year 9 Media to do this course. You will study the distinctive features of different film genre, in particular Westerns, and produce a film based on a fairy tale in the genre of your choice.

You will: study features of different film genres, learn to follow the codes of a genre of your choice, learn to film and edit and to critically evaluate your group’s film.

Image into Action
This module has an animation focus. You will complete a study of The Simpsons and design your own episode. We will then explore the world of computer animation learning to close read animations such as Chicken Run and Monsters Inc. Once your understanding of animations grow you will have the chance to create your own animation.

You will: study feature of animation, learn the codes and conventions of a popular animation series, learn to close read film text, produce animated sequence of your own.

Year 12 Media (NCEA Level 2)

Qualification: NCEA Level 2 – 24 credits

Entry Guidelines:
Enthusiasm and willingness to work in small groups required. Reliable attendance essential as practical work is hindered by absent group members. Open all year 12 and 13 students.

Assessment:
All the internal and external Achievement Standards will be offered to students - 60% internally assessed and 40% external assessment.

Module outlines:
Couch potatoes targeted – Audience 2.1
In this module you will learn about how audience is measured, targeted and identified. We will look at how ACNeilsen uses peoplemeters to measure television audiences and use this information for advertisers to target specific audiences. We will study Sitcoms such as That 70s Show and Father Ted to identify representations in the show and how they target specific audiences.

Whanau on the box – Representation 2.3
We will look at representations of family on television. We will discover what messages, values and representations are hidden within the families we see on the box. We will study which roles become apparent within each family and how groups are represented. A range of programmes will be examined from The Simpsons, 7th Heaven, to Kath and Kim.

Fingerprints on film – Narrative 2.2
We will practise and learn how to close read text. You will also be given the opportunity again later in the year as your knowledge and understanding of media text improves.

Lights, camera, action! – Production 2.6, 2.7, 2.8
Within this module you will get the chance to stretch your filmmaking muscles. We will begin the term by getting acquainted with the cameras and editing equipment and passing your ‘Camera/Editing Driver’s Licence’. Then we move straight into planning and storyboarding your film. Each person will be required to keep a detailed process journal – Captain’s Log that will give you the data you need to complete your production process assessment. You will work in small groups to create your film.

Pathways to gush and gore
In this module we will study films such as Peter Jackson’s – Heavenly Creatures and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. The main focus of our study will be the narrative conventions that are used to tell the story in each film. We will also examine characterisation and conflict within the films. During the module you will have an opportunity to strengthen your close reading skills and attempt 2.2 again.

Year 13 Media (NCEA Level 3)

Qualification: NCEA Level 3 – 24 credits

Entry Guidelines:
Year 12 Media Studies OR interview with teacher-in-charge of Media (12 credits – 4 external or better NCEA Level 2 English. Preference of entry will be given to students with NCEA Level 2 Media experience.

Assessment:
All the internal and external Achievement Standards will be offered to students - 60% internally assessed and 40% external assessment.

Brief outline of areas students will study:
• Study of the film noir genre and the society surrounding it.
• Make short film and use editing software to edit.
• Investigate an aspect of New Zealand media.
• Complete an investigation of a director, incorporating close reading skills.
• Investigate a current media issue.