WJEC – A Level
Introduction
Since the media is so influential in our lives, we need to develop the tools to scrutinise how producers communicate messages to the audience. WJEC’s A Level Media Studies provides you with the opportunity to explore the world through important critical perspectives and take an increasingly analytical approach to media texts. You will also be to apply your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts through the creation of your own media products.
Summary of Assessment
WJEC’s A Level Media Studies is divided into four units.
AS Unit 1: Investigating the Media
This unit is a written examination which lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. There are three sections:
| Section | Content |
| Section A: Selling Images – Advertising and Music Video | This section assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation and audiences in relation to advertising or music video. There is one question based on unseen print or audio-visual resource material. |
| Section B: News in the Online Age | This section assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. There is one two-part question requiring reference to the set news products studied. |
| Section C: Film Industries – from Wales to Hollywood | This section assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, media industries and audiences. There is one two-part question requiring reference to the set films studied. |
AS Unit 2: Creating a Media Production (NEA)
- A media production, including individual research and planning, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts
- An individual reflective analysis of the production.
A2 Unit 3: Media in the Global Age
This unit assesses knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, media industries and audiences. The exam consists of three sections. One section will also assess knowledge and understanding of media contexts and one section will also assess knowledge and understanding of critical perspectives.
The exam lasts 2 hour 30 minutes
| Section | Content |
| Section A: Television in the Global Age | There is one question from a choice of two based on the set television programmes studied. |
| Section B: Magazines – Changing Representations | Section B: Magazines – Changing Representations There is one question from a choice of two based on the set magazines studied. |
| Section C: Media in the Digital Age – Video Games | There is one question from a choice of two based on the set video games studied. |
A2 Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production
- A cross-media production, including individual investigative research and development, created in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC and applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts and digital convergence
- An individual critical analysis of the production.
WJEC A Level
Media Studies
Past Papers and Mark Schemes
The following pdf files from WJEC’s website will open in new tabs.
Assessment Objectives
AO1:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the key concepts and critical perspectives of media; and
- at A2, contexts of media and their influence on media products and processes
AO2:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of media studies to:
- analyse media products, and at A2, in relation to their contexts, using critical perspectives as appropriate; and
- evaluate their own practical work.
AO3:
Research, develop and create media products for an intended audience, applying knowledge and understanding of key concepts of media studies.
