How does Media Studies Support Cross-Curricular Learning?
- Mastering Media
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Media Studies is far more than the analysis of films and adverts—it’s a gateway into the complex social, historical, and cultural forces that shape our lives. In exploring everything from political scandals to popular culture, it creates rich opportunities for collaboration across departments. Media Studies supports cross-curricular learning in secondary schools by drawing connections to subjects such as History, Politics, English, Sociology, PSHE, and Art.
Historical, Political, and National Contexts
Media texts help students understand key historical and political moments. From the Cold War, Afghan conflict, and World War One to the slave trade and the Regency period, these topics align directly with the History curriculum. The Leveson Inquiry, Partygate scandal, Political Satire, and the role of Public Service Broadcasting offer valuable links with Citizenship and Politics, while media representations of Middle England and policing in the 2010s open pathways for sociological analysis.
Race, Culture, and Representation
Media Studies supports inclusive education by exploring race, identity, and social movements. Texts that reference the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Panther movement, Afrofuturism, and British multicultural film align with English and History. Contemporary issues such as Black Lives Matter, Oscars So White, and racism in football help students explore bias, activism, and systemic inequality—perfect for PSHE and Sociology crossover.
LGBTQ+ and Disability Inclusion
The subject also engages with marginalised voices, examining the media’s role in framing the AIDS crisis, LGBTQ+ history, and the Paralympics. These themes support learning in PSHE, while encouraging students to critically examine representation, equality, and inclusivity.
Pop Culture, Global Media, and Genre
Understanding cultural change is central to Media Studies. The influence of New Pop, MTV, and the rise of celebrity bloggers ties in with Art, Music, and ICT. The study of Scandinavian culture through Nordic noir, or genre study involving Hammer Horror, French New Wave, social realism, and Black American cinema, links well to English Literature, MFL, and Art.
What’s Trending and Why It Matters
Studying what is trending online allows students to examine current culture through a critical lens, connecting historical patterns with digital trends, meme culture, and influencer marketing—creating natural crossovers with ICT, English, and Sociology.
In summary, Media Studies doesn’t just stand alone—it enriches the entire curriculum. By offering a wide range of interdisciplinary touchpoints, it’s easy to see how Media Studies supports cross-curricular learning —making it an essential subject for the modern classroom.
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