GCSE Media Studies₈₅₇₂

1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Media Studies

An exciting and diverse specification

We've worked with media teachers and subject experts to create a qualification that contains engaging and relevant topics and themes, and gives you the freedom to create lessons that will inspire and motivate all your students. We’ve created a clear structure to our new GCSE, supported by a detailed specification that provides clarity over what you need to deliver.

Media is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, analytical, research, and communication skills, through exploring a range of media forms and perspectives.

Clear, well-structured exams, accessible for all

We realise that many students choose GCSE Media Studies for its relevance to their lives and for the opportunities it provides for exploring contemporary issues through the use of different media in creative and practical ways. That’s why we’ve made our written assessment clear, well-structured and easy for students to understand. Students will enjoy the variety of question styles, which include multiple choice, short and extended answer.

We’ve created exciting non-exam assessment briefs that provide you with clear guidance and support to help your students to create media products which they can be truly proud of.

Clear progression to A-level, higher education and beyond

We've bridged the gap between GCSE, AS and A-level, giving your students the skills and experience to better prepare them for the demands of AS and A-level if they choose to progress with their study.

You can find out about all our Media Studies qualifications at aqa.org.uk/media-studies

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

1.2.1 Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8572 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

• sample schemes of work and lesson plans to help you plan your course with confidence
• student textbooks that have been checked by AQA
• progress tests with engaging on-screen delivery and instant feedback
• training courses to help you deliver AQA Media Studies qualifications
• subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8572 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports
• Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
• example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Data Insights

We've replaced Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA) with a new platform – Data Insights. It does the same things as ERA – and more.

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. Data Insights, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/data-insights

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

• Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
• Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start. Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8572

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/from-2017

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: mediastudies@aqa.org.uk

T: 01483 556 301