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GCSE Media Studies8572

2.0 Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.

2.1 Subject content

2.2 Assessments

Media One

What's assessed

Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • magazines
  • advertising and marketing
  • newspapers
  • online, social and participatory media and video games.
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • radio
  • music video
  • newspapers
  • online, social and participatory media and video games
  • film (industries only).

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
  • An extended response question (20 marks).

Media Two

What's assessed

Section A will be based on a screening from an extract of one of the television Close Study Products and can test any area of the theoretical framework.

Section B will be based on either newspapers or online, social and participatory media and video games and can test any area of the framework.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • Short, medium and extended response questions assessing depth of knowledge and understanding of the course.

Non-exam assessment: creating a media product

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 five annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
  • 60 marks
  • 30% of GCSE
  • Assessed by teachers
  • Moderated by AQA.
Tasks Students produce:
  • a statement of intent
  • a media product for an intended audience.