To provide a balanced and broad curriculum with a range of thought-provoking, interesting media texts from a range of time periods, cultures and political perspectives, which prompt discussion and debate and develop skills of analysis. The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer. The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society. We wish to offer learners the opportunity to pursue texts which interest them, to motivate and inspire them to view these texts through a critical lens which they are passionate about. To encourage learners to take an interest in the world and media around them, and through history, thus preparing them for the future world.

It is our aim that learners develop an understanding of the key theoretical approaches, theories, issues and debates within the subject, enabling them to question and critically explore aspects of the media that may seem familiar and straightforward from their existing experience. Building on this, learners will also extend their engagement with the media to the less familiar, including products from different historical periods and global settings, those produced outside the commercial mainstream and those aimed at or produced by minority groups, providing rich and stimulating opportunities for interpretation and analysis.

Media Studies offers challenging opportunities and personal development. The curriculum will encourage learners to become confident and independent thinkers, who will be able to take on challenging opportunities to both explore and make media products thus creating original work and critically analysing set works. Learners will have an appreciation of their own work and that of others as they pursue their own media interests and develop their practical skills.

With a curriculum that provides breadth and depth, learners will study topics such as video games, magazines, music videos, TV drama and more. Learners will have the opportunity for enrichment and extension through our connections to both the summer Arts Festival and work experience programmes.

Media Studies is a truly contemporary subject which is relevant to all our lives. The media saturates everything we do in the developed world in the 21st Century. At Huntington School we will give learners the tools to analyse and critique the media, alongside the chance to see the ways in which the media pervades their lives. We will challenge pupils to think intellectually about a range of issues and study the impact of changing forms of communication from the past and present – and the possibilities for the future.