G321 Preliminary Product- Research into Existing Products in the School Magzine Genre

 

School magazine	FFH
Typography used	They have used a sans serif font with a slight flick on the starting F. they are all in capitals which are bold. This font looks modern and current with the students that will be reading the magazine. The other text is a sans serif font which looks less traditional and more up to date, which addresses the target audience which is the students.
Layout used	the masthead is placed on the top 5th of the page, this is effective as it is the first thing that the reader will acknowledge and they will straight away recognise the publisher of the magazine. They have used a banner to position the masthead and the opposing colours allow the masthead to stand out even more. They have also added a table at the bottom of the page; this is effective as it allows the other headline to dominate. Also the target audience of younger people will not want to read much, therefor having the information in a table at the bottom of the page allows it to be straight forward and simple.
Language used	they have repeated the word ‘successful’ this draws people’s attention as they want to attend a successful school, also it addresses their parents as it gives them the reassurance that the schools main aim is to make their children successful. Additionally they use the phrase ‘achieving things together’ which is also reassuring for both the children and their parents. The word together shows a healthy school environment where each child is equal and they offer any help that they can give. The language is fairly informal for a magazine, which addresses the younger audience.  It makes the magazine a comfortable and laid back read for the students. They use the phrase ‘here we come’ which is informal in oppose to other magazines.
Dominant colours used	the colour of the masthead is complimentary to the colour of the girl’s netball bibs. This show the schools colours and makes them recognisable. The red is also used in the table, which is a contrast to the white writing. From this magazine cover, I can see that the house style is red and white.
camerawork	the picture is a shot it shows 3 girls happily playing netball. They look so happy to be playing that they haven’t even acknowledged the camera, this not only shows that they are enjoying themselves but also that they are focused and driven to succeed. This picture could be seen as an anchorage as it proves the ‘success’ and ‘together’ in the sell line. It is a low angle show which shows that the subject is more powerful, that the girls are succeeding and confident.
Mise-en-scene	The children are wearing red and white netball bibs and a yellow netball, in the blurred background you can just make out a netball net. These props show that the school have facilities. This is effective as it proves that the school not only offers academic subjects, but plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities too.

School magazine	Back to School
Typography used	The ‘back to’ in the masthead is large and a sans serif font which is modern and looks computerised which will attract their audience of younger students. It is large which makes it prominent to the page.
Layout used	The masthead is placed on the top 5th of the page which is effective as it is the first thing that the audience will see. Additionally all of the subheadings are around the picture so they are easily read.
Language used	They have used alliteration ‘focus on phonics’ ‘fool your fussy eaters’ ‘playground peacekeeper’ this particular alliteration is a plosive. The effect of alliteration provides emphasis, and sometimes aids in memory because it is catchy. It is also quite informal which addresses their younger audience as they don’t want to be addressed very formally.
Dominant colours used	They have used the colour pink to fit in with the picture of the girl, additionally I think it would address their target audience of younger people and girls themselves. They have also used yellow writing is bright and stands out which is effective as it is the main headline.
camerawork	They’ve used a medium shot to make the photo and cover more personal. They’ve chosen this photo because the girl looks happy; she’s looking directly at the camera making it look like she’s making eye contact with the audience.
Mise-en-scene	there are no particular props on the page, however the girl photographed is wearing uniform which proves that she is part of the school. Additionally she is not wearing a tie which shows a lack of formality for the younger children as they have different rules. This is effective as the parents won’t see their children under much pressure that their school is laid back and an enjoyable environment.

School magazine	Which school?
Typography used	Which school is written in a sans serif font is modern showing that the school are forward thinking and up to date. Additionally the colours are contrasting making it easier to read and stand out very well.
Layout used	They have used a black banner for the masthead and a yellow banner which separates the masthead\d and the image. This is effective as the picture is easier to see and the text is easier read. In addition the layout is very modern as it used blocks and this will appeal to their target audience. The text is listed so it looks like minimal reading is required.
Language used	The language is fairly straight forward, I think this is because they are aiming to appeal to a younger audience and they arguable prefer to read less text.
Dominant colours used	The colours used are black white and yellow. This is effective as it is distinctive to this magazine and their house style becomes well known. The colour yellow is a positive colour and the boys in the picture also look happy and bright. They are all wearing a black uniform, this is effective as the house style matches their uniform making the magazine look professional and nicely presented.
camerawork	The camera is a full body shot of the boys. This is effective because we see how nicely dressed they are and how they take pride in their uniform and being part of the school. Additionally, from this type of camera angle we can see that the boys have a relaxed body language showing that they are happy to be in school and that it is a relaxed environment in which they feel comfortable.
Mise-en-scene	They have been photographed outside by a tree, this is effective as it shows that the school do not only offer classroom activities. Additionally, the boys are all dressed in blazers which show that the school is modern and up to date and forward thinking.

 

School magazine	Independent schools PARENT
Typography used	The font is a bold sans serif font that is clearly presented to the reader. The choice of font makes the magazine look modern and well written as it is very bold and clear. The use of a larger font for ‘parent’ clearly addresses the audience.
Layout used	They have put the title of the magazine on the top left corner, this means that it is the first thing that the reader will see and strait away can recognise the magazine that they’re reading. The leading headline  ‘Hats off to summer’ is placed on the right of the image, this is effective as they have used the grass in the background as a banner therefore this makes the bold white writing to contrast and stand out against the green. Not only this, but the headline also acts as an Anchorage to the picture helping the audience understand. The picture is a medium shot placed central of the cover; this is effective as it makes the magazine more personal to the girl photograph.
Language used	The sell line to the magazine ‘helping you make the right choices for your children’ is written quite formally, this is so the parents are reassured by the magazine, which they are not making a joke and the children are their priority. The audience quite clearly for the magazine are the parents, and the magazine addresses this by writing quite formally.  The mode of address is fairly reassuring for the parent which makes them comfortable to read the magazine.
Dominant colour(s) used	The house style of this magazine is cool blues and greens with a contrasting white. This is effective as it complements the uniform of the two girls. The cool blues give the magazine a calm image making it more enjoyable for the parent to read as its laid back and composed.
Camerawork	The picture taken is a medium shot of two girls, the main focus is on a girl who takes pride in wearing her uniform and she is happy to be in the school environment. The picture is also an anchorage to the heading ‘hats off to summer’ this allows the reader to understand and get the feel for the magazine.
Mise-en-scene	The children are happily wearing their school uniform, they have the addition of a boat hat which adds to the pride that the children have for the school. It appears by the green background, that the girls are on the playground and the fact that she is holding her hat shows that she is maybe showing it off, that she is glad to be wearing the uniform. It also represents a well organised and prepared school that the children are attending.