Here at the Princess Helena College we offer Media at AS and A Level, where we examine five key concepts with relation to the following media:

• Film
• Television
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Websites
• Computer Games
• Music

Through their study of these areas students develop their analytical skills, and in this way Media can be compared to English. Although the texts may be more familiar, the way in which we investigate the text, and the theory we teach alongside it, is similar to techniques used in the study of literature.

One of the most exciting aspects of the course is that girls are given the opportunity to create their own media piece. They may, for example, take what they have learned about the thriller genre and film the first three minutes of their own thriller. Similarly, they may choose to create their own advertising campaign based on those previously studied. This aspect of the course can often be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding. In the past we have even submitted short films to the BBC Film Network.

Media Studies is intellectually stimulating, theoretical and practical, enriching and above all, enjoyable.