Media

Intent

At Freshsteps Independent School, the Media curriculum is designed to provide pupils with the knowledge, skills, and critical understanding required to confidently navigate and interpret the modern media landscape. The curriculum is underpinned by the AQA Media Studies framework, ensuring a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Our intent is to develop pupils into informed, reflective, and creative individuals who can critically analyse a wide range of media texts while producing their own high-quality media content. Pupils explore how meaning is constructed through media language, including camera angles, lighting, sound, editing, and representation, enabling them to understand how media shapes audience perceptions and societal views.

The curriculum is carefully designed to develop transferable skills, including literacy, communication, research, and digital competency. Through engagement with key media theorists such as Stuart Hall and bell hooks, pupils develop an understanding of representation, identity, and audience, supporting their preparation for life in modern Britain.

A strong emphasis is placed on inclusivity and accessibility. The curriculum incorporates multi-sensory approaches to learning, supporting visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learners. This ensures that all pupils, including those with additional needs, can access and succeed within the subject while building confidence and independence.

Implementation

The Media curriculum is delivered through a structured and progressive model that integrates theoretical understanding with practical application. In the first term, pupils are introduced to the core AQA theoretical framework, focusing on media language, representation, audience, and key media theories. This provides the foundation for all subsequent learning.

Across the academic year, pupils work towards a range of AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) credits, allowing for personalised progression and clear recognition of achievement. These include:

• Making a Short Film (Unit 70701) 
• Film Making from Script to Screen (Unit 78262) 
• Introduction to Filmmaking (Unit 118176) 
• Film Making Using an iPad (Unit 78975) 
• Creating and Editing a Short Film (Unit 116602) 
• Creating a Social Media Profile (Unit 115410) 
• Introduction to Content Creation (Unit 119314) 

Teaching takes place across both classroom environments and the ICT suite, with digital learning embedded throughout. Microsoft Teams is used to support lesson delivery, assignment submission, and feedback, promoting independent learning and organisation.Pupils engage in a wide range of practical projects, including filmmaking, scriptwriting, editing, advertising, and digital design. These activities promote collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, while also developing technical proficiency in industry-relevant tools and processes.

The curriculum is designed to be highly engaging and accessible, using a multi-sensory approach that allows pupils to process information through visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic methods. This is particularly effective in supporting learners with diverse needs.

Assessment and Progress Measures

Assessment within Media Studies is continuous, purposeful, and aligned to both the AQA framework and individual pupil needs.

• Baseline Assessment:
Pupils complete an initial assessment to identify prior knowledge, understanding of media concepts, and technical ability. This informs planning and differentiation. 
• Formative Assessment:
Ongoing assessment takes place throughout lessons through questioning, practical tasks, peer feedback, and teacher observation. Pupils receive regular verbal and written feedback to support immediate improvement. 
• Summative Assessment:
At the end of each unit, pupils complete assessed pieces of work, including practical media products and written analysis. These are measured against clear success criteria linked to AQA standards and UAS outcomes. 
• AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS):
Progress is formally recognised through the completion of accredited units, providing pupils with tangible evidence of achievement and progression. 
• Portfolio Development:
Pupils build a portfolio of work overtime, demonstrating progression in both technical and analytical skills. This portfolio serves as both an assessment tool and a record of achievement. 
• Use of Digital Platforms:
Microsoft Teams supports tracking of progress, submission of work, and ongoing feedback. This allows for clear monitoring of pupil engagement and attainment. 
• EHCP and Individual Targets:
Progress is closely monitored against individual EHCP outcomes where applicable, ensuring that learning is personalised and meaningful. 

Impact

The impact of the Media curriculum is evident in the development of confident, creative, and critically aware learners who are equipped with both academic and practical skills.

Pupils:
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse media texts using appropriate terminology and theoretical understanding 
• Develop strong technical skills in filming, editing, and digital content creation 
• Show improved literacy through structured analysis and written communication 
• Build a comprehensive portfolio of creative work demonstrating clear progression 
• Apply their understanding of representation and audience to real-world contexts 
• Develop transferable skills including teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving 

Assessment data and portfolio outcomes show clear progression over time, with pupils moving from basic understanding to more advanced, independent application of skills. Engagement levels are high due to the practical and interactive nature of the subject, particularly for pupils with additional needs.

Pupils leave Freshsteps with a strong foundation in media literacy and digital skills, preparing them for further education, training, or employment within the creative industries. They are able to engage critically with media in everyday life and participate confidently in modern British society.