Our Academic Program
The Global Media Studies (GMS) magnet is a four-year, project-based program focused on social justice themes and communication arts. GMS students are encouraged and supported as they explore the pressing issues facing the planet via their social studies, English, and media elective classes. In their hands-on elective classes, students learn to communicate their ideas through meaningful film and animation projects, which are featured in our biannual film and cultural festivals.
Specialized electives that support our program include: animation; film integrating art; video production levels I, II, and III; media technology; and television broadcast journalism (KCAV). Our well-rounded academic program prepares students for a four-year university, while also providing them with the technical skills required for high-paying careers in the media and arts industries. From script writing, to operating a camera, to proper lighting, directing and professional film editing, our students graduate with advanced skills they can, and do, put to immediate use in broadcast, film, and animation careers.
GMS students not only produce a weekly television show that is broadcast throughout the school, but they also participate in local and international youth media summits that bring together aspiring student filmmakers from around the globe. GMS offers a rich educational experience incorporating collaborative projects, field trips, student internships, and industry professional mentors. Graduates of GMS are fully equipped to effect positive change locally and globally in fields including, but not limited to, animation, film, media, broadcasting, journalism, law, education, and politics.
Grade-Level Themes
Discover Your Journey
Discover Your World
Discover Your Dream
Discover Your Voice
Connecting Curriculum to Careers
Global Media Studies Magnet became an LAUSD Linked Learning school in 2016. We are currently working on our Silver Certification. Participation in Linked Learning prepares students to graduate from high school and to succeed in a full range of options after graduation, including two- or four-year colleges, certification programs, apprenticeships, military service, or formal job training.
The LAUSD Linked Learning initiative is transforming high school into a personally relevant and engaging experience by bringing together strong academics, demanding career technical education, real-world experience and integrated student support systems.
Students in the Global Media Studies/Linked Learning Pathway begin building their digital portfolios in the ninth grade via the online platform Portfolium. Students choose one "artifact" or project per semester in each academic class to save to their Portfolium profile. In the eleventh grade, students create resumes and participate in Mock Interviews with professional adults to prepare for internships and careers. Students who complete all of these steps successfully earn their Linked Learning Work Readiness Badge.
In the twelfth grade, students must present their completed digital portfolio to a panel of educators and industry professionals during their Senior Portfolio Defense. In order to graduate, students must prove that they have learned the academic and technical skills required by our program. The Senior Portfolio Defense is a Linked Learning requirement.
LAUSD's A-G Requirements
To ensure all LAUSD graduates have the option to enroll directly into a university and be prepared for a career, the District has implemented a College and Career Readiness initiative. LAUSD has aligned its graduation requirements with the California State University (CSU) A-G requirements. Students must earn a grade of "D" or better in "A-G" courses, and meet California Department of Education Requirements, as well as satisfying additional LAUSD requirements, in order to graduate. The requirements for a University of California campus may be more demanding than those listed below. In addition, four-year universities do not accept a grade of "D" as passing in any academic class.
Students should make sure to consult with our College and Career Counselor and their individual academic counselor to ensure they are on track to pursue the college or career option of their choice.
A (History/Social Science)
1 Year World History
1 Year U.S History
C (Mathematics)
3 years of Mathematics
Validation applies
E (Language other than English)
2 years
Validation rules apply
G (College Preparatory Elective)
-
1 year
B (English)
4 years of English
D (Laboratory Science)
2 years
Validation applies
F (Visual & Performing Arts)
1 year
Additional Requirements
Economics - 1 semester
Physical Education - 2 years
Health - 1 Semester
Service Learning