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Curriculum Intent

Media Studies is an exciting, relevant course in which students look at the language of the media, representations in the media, the media industry and its audiences. The course is assessed through coursework and terminal exams, and covers a wide range of media forms: television, video games and print. LAHC’s Media course is successful, with a number of students going on to take degrees in Media or media-related subjects.

A-level Media Studies engages students in the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework:

  • media language
  • media representation
  • media industries
  • media audiences.

ks5: media studies

Students are required to study media products from all of the following media forms:

  • television
  • film
  • radio
  • newspapers
  • magazines
  • advertising and marketing
  • online, social and participatory media
  • video games
  • music video

Film is an inextricable part of the wider media landscape, which is intimately connected with other media, such as television, video games and online media. However, to avoid overlap with GCE AS and A-level Film Studies, film should not be a primary object of study in this context. Students may study individual feature films, but this must only occur in the context of cross-media study, which explores the convergence of media platforms and technologies, or in the context of the study of media industries. For the purposes of this specification, film will only be studied in the context of the study of media industries.

Assessment

What’s assessed

Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section will test the following forms:

  • advertising and marketing
  • music video

Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:

  • radio
  • newspapers
  • film (industries only)

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of A-level

Questions

  • A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
  • Two essay questions (20 marks), one of which is an extended response question.

What’s assessed

Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online, social and participatory media/video games.

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of A-level

Questions

  • One medium length unseen analysis question.
  • Three essay questions (25 marks), one of which is an extended response question and one of which is a synoptic question.

What’s assessed

  • Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
  • Ability to create media products.

How it’s assessed

  • A choice of one of six annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
  • 60 marks
  • 30% of A-level
  • Assessed by teachers
  • Moderated by AQA

Tasks

Students produce:

  • a statement of intent.
  • a cross-media production made for an intended audience.
  • Modules 1 & 2
    • Media representations and media language
  • Modules 3 & 4
    • Audiences and industries
  • Modules 5 & 6
    • Non-exam assessments and mock revision
  • Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4
    • Close study products / revision of Y12 materials
  • Modules 5 & 6
    • Revision and exams
AQA A Level Media Studies Specification Learning Journey