Saturday 28 November 2015

YEAR 13 LESSON TWENTY [27th Nov 15]: Homework
















































This lesson used the recent front page of THE SUN to discuss MEDIA THEORY. Students were asked to consider the MEDIA ISSUES AND DEBATES that can be linked to this front page. Students were asked to consider:

  • MEDIA THEORY and the possible influence of this text.
  • SOCIAL MEDIA and how it can be used to challenge content of the mainstream media.
  • REGULATION and how media regulation protects the audience from inappropriate content.
WE need to improve our application of MEDIA THEORY. Reference was made in this lesson to MARXIST THEORY, PLURALISM, THE ONE-STEP THEORY, THE USES AND GRATIFICATION THEORY, and RECEPTION THEORY. Below is a link to a series of visual/audio resources that explores issues relating to media theory:

HOMEWORK: Students will eventually be creating a written response to this task so the homework is to research THE LEVESON INQUIRY as every student of media needs to comprehend why this is such a MONUMENTAL MEDIA MOMENT. This is a media REGULATION issue. Students also need to synthesise all the resources used in this session in preparation for the written task. Click on link below to digest the resources:

Wednesday 25 November 2015

YEAR 13 LESSON NINETEEN [24th Nov 15]: Homework




















This session was a 'feedback' session linked to the first two MEST 3 Section B essays. The written work was NOT wonderful so this lesson examined how students can improve their written analysis. WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE LACK OF TEXTUAL REFERENCE AND WEAK GENERAL COMMENTS...AND THE SUN JOURNALISM APPROACH TO FACTS! The class were asked to respond to the question:
HOW HAS THE BBC RESPONDED TO THE CHALLENGE POSED BY DIGITAL MEDIA?
The following paragraph structure was offered to the students:

  • Opinion that reacts to the focus of the question. The BBC have clearly adapted to the demands of the digital world. They are fully aware of how its audience consumes information in the digital age and have adapted to suit the needs of this audience.
  • Textual reference that illustrates and reinforces your critical opinion. This will involve Independent Study. Students need to develop CRITICAL AUTONOMY. Specific focus is required. You are banned from referring to the I-Player! The BBC offers so much more.
  • Explain how this textual reference supports your critical viewpoint.
  • The final section of the paragraph should offer a precise question focus and evaluate the issues being explored through your textual reference. Audience/Producer debate? We discussed how the BBC has become a much more successful Public Service broadcaster. We discussed the criticism of the licence fee. We discussed how digital media has allowed the BBC to confront its remit in a very successful manner.
Our written work needs to improve and this task will hopefully mark the beginning of the improvement.

HOMEWORK: Complete the paragraph. Read the links posted to THE SUN 'Jihad' front page blog entry. We will be discussing this News item on Friday.

YEAR 12 LESSON NINETEEN/TWENTY [23rd/26th Nov 15]: Homework

Students were asked to collect ideas for a filming task. The group decided that we will be gathering footage for a 90/120 second film that will promote the J6th. The target audience is Year 11.

HOMEWORK: Film some appropriate material.

Friday 20 November 2015

YEAR 13 LESSON EIGHTEEN [20th Nov 15]: Homework

Today was the last film session. I have most of the films. Ellie and James still need to complete their work. Next week we will focus on our critical writing. The first two essays were not great...so we have some work to do! Bring your brains.

HOMEWORK: Enjoy being a teenager.

Thursday 19 November 2015

YEAR 12 LESSON EIGHTEEN [19th Nov 15]: Homework
























Today's session involved the students discussing a series of texts, collating notes, and discussing possible content for questions linked to a specific text:

  1. How are media forms used to suggest the content of the show DEXTER?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhGMGjs3DSs
Dexter was an American show available produced by the Showtime channel. Dexter is a blood splatter expert employed by the Miami Police Department and is the son of a very well respected ex-detective. However, he is also a brutal serial killer!!! He specialises in murdering criminals who have committed murder but have escaped any form of legal punishment. Dexter hides his true identity. The opening credits to the show are titled MORNING ROUTINE and it is through this routine that his true nature is revealed. Students need to focus upon extreme close ups, frame composition, the polysemic nature of the imagery, and how connotation is being shaped. How significant is the use of the colour red? Connotation?

    2. How is the advertising industry represented in this advertisement?

This advert follows the codes and conventions of a whiskey advertisement before transforming into a public information film that warns about the dangers of alcohol consumption. The advertising of alcohol is clearly criticised within this advertisement. The text begins with images of nature that represent alcohol as a natural ingredient, like spring water, and serves to bring the community together...before the shaky camera introduces a new equilibrium and presents a very different representation. We discussed the significance of the voiceover. Class discussion considered the fact that the advertising industry represents a dangerous and destructive drug in an attractive manner. It misrepresents the potential damage that can be caused by alcohol. AGAIN..refer to how media forms shape the REPRESENTATION...PREFERRED READING? CONNOTATION? NARRATIVE EQUILIBRIUM? FRAME COMPOSITION? SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHAKY HAND-HELD CAMERA?

  3. How does the film promote the brand values of JOHN LEWIS?

Remember...a BRAND VALUE is the qualities linked to the institution. What can the consumer expect when buying products from this institution? Class discussion discussed the significance of the high production values of the advertisement, the fact that the film avoids any evidence of 'poverty' or economic struggle. There is a lack of food banks in this text but lots of imagery [remember....mise-en-scene codes refers to the meaning found through clothes, stage design, location etc] that suggests that the world presented by the advert is a comfortable middle-class world. How expensive is that bloody telescope?? Class discussion considered the significance of the use of text at the conclusion of the advertisement. 

  4. Why does this product appeal to such a wide audience?

Class discussion considered the broadcast remit of the BBC which is to INFORM, EDUCATE, AND ENTERTAIN. Class discussion considered the idea that this may be a programme that appeals to human issues, it offers content that is not too technical or academic. A large number of people are interested in the natural world. Discussion also considered the fact that this programme offers information relating to an isolated and inhospitable part of the planet that most people will never be able to experience. Therefore this unique content may engage a wide audience. Furthermore, students considered the beauty of the footage and the spectacular nature of the visual content. This is an extremely sophisticated visual representation of the world and the footage is unique. Reference was also made to the voice of David 'GOD' Attenborough and the fact this his voice is often associated with accessible and enjoyable media texts that present the natural world in an engaging manner. He is a quality brand!! CONNOTATION linked to his voice? Students also considered the fact that many people like to escape the ugly routine of their own lives by escaping into such a magnificent and visually stunning world.

HOMEWORK: Complete these questions for homework. On Monday we will begin some more creative work. We will turn E5 into a photographic studio and create some material that will eventually be used as promotional material for album covers, book covers, etc.... or any ideas that you may have etc.....Bring some props if you have any specific ideas.

Wednesday 18 November 2015

YEAR 12 LESSON 16/17 [12th/16th Nov 15]: Homework.















These two sessions involved discussion of the new John Lewis Xmas advertisement and the NHS anti-smoking advert from 2014. Click on links below to access resources.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuz2ILq4UeA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ctaMwtHwUo
Class discussion in both sessions was followed by a brief written response:
How is old age represented in the John Lewis advert?
How is smoking represented in this advert?

HOMEWORK: I told students to check the blog for further questions but I have changed my mind and will be providing a big lesson on Thursday that will be full of class discussion that will lead to a significant written homework. See you there young people.
All the resources below will be used in tomorrow's lesson. Give 'em a watch. Prepare for action.
Dexter Intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhGMGjs3DSs
Swedish anti-drinking advert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QalnisJfHEw
Mad Men opening credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo
Frozen Planet BBC promo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hObov-E540o

We will also be discussing institutional responsibility in relation to the John Lewis advert.



YEAR 13 LESSON 16/17 [ 13th /17th Nov 15]: Homework.

Continuing with creative task.
HOMEWORK: Complete film. Get in the library.

Wednesday 11 November 2015

YEAR 12 LESSON FIFTEEN [9th Nov 15]: Homework













Today's session began with students explaining their personal representations. I thought the photography and the quality of the explanation was OUTSTANDING. Thanks to those students that bothered to complete the task. A couple of students still owe me images! And an explanation!!
The heart of the lesson revolved around the BBC News segment that reported the 2010 student demonstration that involved the Joint Sixth Form. Click on link below:
https://vimeo.com/17883706
Class discussion moved into a 15 minute written response. The question being answered was:
How are the students of the J6th represented in this news segment?
After the written response the class considered the content of the new John Lewis Christmas advertisement and were asked the question: Is this beautiful or incredibly cynical?
Click on link below to access the advertisement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuz2ILq4UeA
OVER 11 MILLION views....Bejesus!

HOMEWORK: On Thursday we will continue to discuss the John Lewis advertisement and also discuss last year's Sainsbury's advertisement. Click on link to access resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuz2ILq4UeA

YEAR 13 LESSON FIFTEEN [10th Nov 15]: Homework

This was our second creative session.
HOMEWORK: Work on the film. Get into the library and get creative!

Sunday 8 November 2015

YEAR 12 PERSONAL REPRESENTATION...












































YEAR 12 LESSON FOURTEEN [5th Nov 15]: Homework

This was a messy session as we had audio issues and a fire-alarm!! Students explained why their images represented their view of Beverley and the class discussed the representation of Beverley students in this BBC Look North segment:
https://vimeo.com/17883706 
When we will continue to discuss the representation and this will become a written task.

HOMEWORK: Email me an image that represents who you are!! You will be explaining the connotation linked to the image when we begin our next session. ALL strudents need to complete this task...CAN YOU HEAR ME GEORGE??

YEAR 13 LESSON FOURTEEN [6th Nov 15]: Homework

Today's session was the first of our creative editing sessions. All the material is available on the Macs and the task is to produce a two minute film that encourages people to visit Hull and East Yorkshire.

HOMEWORK: Continue to review and edit material in the library. I expect students to be using independent study time to edit the film.

Wednesday 4 November 2015

YEAR 12 images of Beverley....

























































How are Beverley J6th students represented in this BBC News Report?
https://vimeo.com/17883706
Why does your own image represent your perception of Beverley?

YEAR 13 LESSON THIRTEEN [3rd Nov 15]: Homework

This session discussed the nature of the creative task that we will begin in Friday's lesson. We examined the 2017 Hull City of Culture bif film and discussed the film created by the Dundee bid. The session moved on to discuss ideas for coursework and students were shown some work from last year.
Hull City of Culture 2017 bid film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXJkDgBUR9c
Dundee bid film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex_woBWVBH8

HOMEWORK: Some students owe me homework. I expect it to be handed to me on Friday....Can you hear me Keira and Chloe????  Some students need to hand me the content of their filming. I need it before Friday as I want all content available to ALL students.
STUDENTS NEED TO RETURN BORROWED EQUIPMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Monday 2 November 2015

YEAR 12 LESSON THIRTEEN [2nd Nov 15]: Homework























The aim of today's session was to revisit the critical skills that will be required for the exam. The main resource was the film that was created for Hull's 2017 City of Culture bid. Click on link to access resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXJkDgBUR9c
Class discussion considered possible content for the homework task that was placed on the blog last week. Class discussion was excellent and most students decided that they would like to 'bin' their response to the homework and have some time to produce a more appropriate media response.

HOMEWORK: Complete the questions that link to the City of Culture film [see last blog entry]. Students also need to email me a jpeg that captures their own representation of the town of Beverley. Students will be expected to explain to the class why their single image captures their own mediated representation of Beverley. BE ORIGINAL. Try and avoid cliche. I need all jpegs before the lesson as I need to place your images on the blog.

Dundee 2017 City of Culture bid film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex_woBWVBH8
Another Hull film created by Al Jones/Matt Stephenson. It is called FLOWERS...and it is beautiful:
https://vimeo.com/15328356