L1MEDS

Level 1 Media Studies

Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr B. Morrison.

Welcome to Media and Film Studies, where creativity meets critical thinking. 

This course is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the multifaceted world of media, from blockbuster films to viral social media trends. Dive deep into the art of storytelling, analyze influential media texts, and gain hands-on experience in creating your own media projects. Explore the fascinating topics of representation and the importance of an ethical media world, and understand how these elements shape our society and cultural perspectives.

Media and Film Studies is not just a course; it’s a journey into the heart of storytelling and media creation. Whether you aspire to be a content creator for a company or business, a media commentator, or simply want to understand the world of media better, this course offers the tools and inspiration you need. 

By enrolling in this course, you have the potential to earn 15 Level 2 credits, giving you a head start for 2026! (These credits also count towards your L1 Credits total.)



Course Overview

What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
Exploring Media Representation
Dive into the fascinating world of media and discover how different groups are portrayed! Whether it's teens in blockbuster films, women in sports broadcasts, or Asians in comedy movies, you have the creative freedom to choose a group and topic that sparks your interest. Imagine delving into the portrayal of youth in social media influencers' content or examining the depiction of African American communities in popular TV series. This is your chance to explore and critique the powerful narratives that influence our perceptions every day.

Crafting Captivating Film Reviews
Become a movie critic for a day and write two engaging film reviews! Choose any films that catch your eye and watch them on your laptop during class. Don’t forget your headphones for an immersive experience. Sharpen your critical eye, express your thoughts, and bring your unique perspective to life in your reviews.

Delving into Media Ethics
Step into the realm of media ethics and tackle some of today's most pressing issues. From the breakneck pace of artificial intelligence development to the responsibilities of media influencers, the challenges of climate change, genetic engineering, and fake news, there's a wealth of topics to explore. How is privacy maintained in our digital age? What are the media’s roles in addressing global poverty? The possibilities are endless, allowing you to engage with topics that truly resonate with you and understand their profound impact on our world.

Take Photographs
Ready to become a photographer for a day? Join us for an exciting adventure where you'll capture the world through your lens! You'll snap a series of photos and pick your top three to hand in for your assessment. With guidance from your teacher, you'll learn the tricks of the trade and see your work shine. Don't miss this chance to turn your creative vision into a real-life story!

Recommended Prior Learning

No prerequisites required; open entry for all.  As this is a course offering L2 credits, you would need to have reasonably good literacy skills. Approval for this course is required from the Head of Faculty.


Pathway

Education Pathways: University, New Zealand Broadcasting School, Wintec, Ara Institute of Canterbury. Yoobee College of Creative Innovation.

Career Pathways: Broadcasting, Public Relations, Law, Journalism, Event Management, Teaching, Social Media Manager, Marketing Manager, Media Consultant.

Career Pathways

Assessment Information

No external exams for this course! You’ll have more time to prepare for your other subject exams in term four.

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 15
Internal Assessed Credits: 15
External Assessed Credits: 0
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
U.S. 3492 v8
NZQA Info

Write a short report


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
U.S. 27615 v1
NZQA Info

Take and select photographs for a news story and a feature


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91250 v3
NZQA Info

Media Studies 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of representation in the media


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91254 v2
NZQA Info

Media Studies 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of an ethical issue in the media


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91255 v3
NZQA Info

Media Studies 2.8 - Write developed media text for a specific target audience


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3w
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 15
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Disclaimer

Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it.  Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.  

Costs

The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2025, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.