OCR GCSE Media Studies Introduction Lesson

A complete OCR GCSE Media Studies introductory lesson designed for the start of Year 10, introducing students to what Media Studies is, why it matters, and how media influences everyday life.

This fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) lesson is ideal as a first GCSE Media Studies lesson, transition lesson, induction lesson or opening lesson for the OCR GCSE Media Studies course.

The lesson begins with a relatable Do Now task where students reflect on the media they interacted with over the summer, including film, TV, video games, the internet and social media. Students consider whether media allows interaction with others and how it may influence daily decisions consciously or unconsciously.

Students are introduced to the expectations of GCSE Media Studies, including the importance of written work, theory-based notes, independence, weekly homework, participation, organisation, knowledge organisers and keeping up to date with lesson content. The lesson also clearly establishes classroom expectations, working conditions and discussion expectations for sensitive media topics such as gender, race, religion, sexuality and stereotypes.

The lesson introduces the OCR GCSE Media Studies course structure, including Paper 1, Paper 2 and the Non-Examination Assessment. Set texts referenced include Vigil, The Avengers, The Lego Movie, MOJO Magazine, BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, music videos by Tinie Tempah and Paloma Faith, and The Observer.

Students then explore key introductory Media Studies concepts, including media types, audiences, stereotypes, anti-stereotypes and representation using CAGES: class, age, gender, ethnicity and sexuality. The lesson includes active talk, class discussion and guided written responses to help students begin using media terminology confidently.

The lesson also includes a music video representation task using Wretch 32’s Alright With Me, where students analyse how stereotypes of young Black men are challenged through representations of success, education, ambition, community and positive role models. This leads into an exam-style written question on how stereotypes are challenged in the video.

The lesson ends with an optional trailer analysis task for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, helping students consider audience, genre, budget, BBFC rating, costume, lighting, acting, make-up, props and film promotion.

This lesson covers
Introduction to GCSE Media Studies
OCR GCSE Media Studies
Media influence
Media types
Film
TV
Video games
Internet
Social media
Audiences
Representation
Stereotypes
Anti-stereotypes
CAGES
Class
Age
Gende