AQA GCSE
Introduction
GCSE Media Studies provides students the opportunity to engage all aspects of the media, including important theories of representation and audience. You will also be required to apply your knowledge of these frameworks through the creation of your own media products.
On this page, you can access the GCSE specification, past papers and mark schemes.
Summary of Assessment
There are two examination papers and a coursework brief to complete.
Media One
This written exam lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. There are a range of questions relating to an unseen source and the Close Study Products. One extended response question is worth 20 marks.
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).
Media Two
This 1 hour 30 minutes written exam contains short, medium and extended response questions assessing depth of knowledge and understanding of the course.
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.
GCSE
Media Studies
Non-exam assessment (NEA)
You have the choice of one of five annually changing briefs, set by AQA. You are being assessed on your application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
You need to produce a statement of intent and a media product for an intended audience.
Assessment Objectives
The exams and non-exam assessment will measure how you meet the following assessment objectives.
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the theoretical framework of media
- contexts of media and their influence on media products and processes.
AO2: Analyse media products using the theoretical framework of media, including in relation to their contexts, to make judgments and draw conclusions.
AO3: Create media products for an intended audience, by applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to communicate meaning.
