Page 33 Advertisements Column 1

Press, 23 November 1987, Page 33

Media Studies as a subject is being introduced in New Zealand secondary schools. In Australia, where it has been established as a separate subject for a number of years, specialist teachers are trained in this specific discipline. English teachers in New Zealand usually include elements of media studies in their programmes. Newspaper, radio and television material is today being analysed in the way that used to be reserved for novels, plays and poetry. Some schools are now giving students hands-on experience in some areas, such as running radio stations; others are being encouraged to develop expertise in making films. Modules of work in journalism are being offered m many sixth-form English classes. These courses may run for three weeks to a whole year. The production of school newspapers or individual front pages devoted to particular themes is also growing in popularity. Secondary students at some schools have also been involved in making detailed comparative studies of newspapers throughout the country The growing educational interest in teaching students analytical, interpretive and practical skills in relation to the media reflects the increasing important role that the media has in our lives.

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