This has been another excellent year in the Media Studies Department.  At A level, every student achieved at least a C grade, and three-quarters gained either an A or a B.    Rigel Barros De La Parra deserves special recognition for gaining ninety-eight per cent for his coursework essay, which focused on the representation of gender in horror films.  George Chandler was awarded the prize for Media Student of the Year, having completed every aspect of the course with distinction.  We were also extremely pleased that  Loveday Weller secured a place  to study Film and Television at Warwick University.  The AS group were also very successful and maintained the Department’s 100% pass rate.

Video production has continued throughout the year.  Lower Sixth students began by shooting and editing a half-hour promotional video and documentary for the MUN Conference in the Autumn half-term.  This was executed to a high standard, charting both the conference itself and the associated social events.  Jonny Greenland, Karl Mason, James Balmforth and Paul Gyan-Apenteng made up the team, working round the clock in an impressive debut.  The DVD was then distributed to participating schools as well as being sold to Royal Russell students.  Plans are already being made for the sequel, which will capture the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations.

This year, the AS students also demonstrated technical expertise and creative flair as they devised their own brands, then produced advertising campaigns to market them.  Alex Phillips, Hardeep Ryatt and Madge Lu, amongst others, produced excellent video production work.  However, Karl Mason won both Jury and Audience Prizes at Royal Russell School’s inaugural film competition, with an outstanding advertisement selling car speakers.  Emma Michell constructed a very impressive print campaign, and Gareth Edwards gained full marks for producing a professional-standard parkeur clothing website.

Investment in resources for production work continues.  At the end of this year, the Department purchased a new computer and industry-standard digital editing software.  This will allow students to acquire professional skills and experience and will help achieve a broadcast quality finish for projects.

C. Dear