Course content

AS Level Media involves two units, Mest 1 and Mest 2.
Mest 1 is the work done in preparation for the exam.

It consists of two sections:

Section A is an exam which involves analysing an unseen media text and lasts for one hour and fifteen minutes.

Section B is an exam based on a case-study which is on documentaries

For the section A exam you will learn how to analyse a variety of still image, moving image and web based texts, including the study of documentary, TV news and newspapers, TV factual and fictional programmes, magazine, radio and film. The students will be expected to write an essay every fortnight for their homework.

Mest 2 is coursework and it involves working in small groups of 3 or 4 to produce some magazine or web-based work and a moving-image film, such as a film-trailer. Each student is also required to write an individual, 1500 word evaluation to support their practical coursework.

A2 Media Studies involves two units, Mest 3 and Mest 4. Mest 3 is the work done in preparation for the exam.

It consists of two sections:

Section A is an exam which involves analysing an unseen media text and lasts for one hour. It is similar, but more advanced than Mest 1.

Section B is an exam based on a case-study which is on representations and new and digital media.

Mest 4 is coursework and consists of a 2000 word, individually written ‘Critical Investigation’ with a linked production piece which may be done in small groups.

A Level media is a rigorous academic subject; it requires excellent written and analytical skills. There are also production elements which require a passion for filming and editing, making moving-image films and print-based media productions.