AQA Specification (2570)

AQA Media Studies AS

MEST 1 – Investigating the Media

Adapted using existing AQA Resources, Web Resources, Nelson

Thormes and own knowledge and original resources
 TASK:
 Please write on the post-it note provided your
main reason/s for choosing Media Studies AS.

 Place your note on the board at the front of the

room.

Class discussion of comments/

reasons
 Inthis course you will be studying media texts
that are part of the contemporary media
landscape.
landscape

 In pairs, discuss and write down what you think each of

these terms refer to:
 Mediatexts (include examples)
 Contemporary media landscape

Be ready to feedback in 2 minutes.

 In Media Studies platforms are the
technological means by which the media
communicate with an audience.
audience The 3
platforms you will be studying are:
1. Broadcasting – TV and radio (factual & fictional),
films, advertisements, trailers and other a/v
promotional material.
2. Print – newspapers, magazines, advertising &
marketing texts.
3. E-media – websites, blogs, podcasts; advertising &
promotional material; radio, TV, music & film
downloads; games and emerging forms.
 3 modules (2 exams & 1
coursework module)
 Coursework worth 40%
 2 examinations – MED 1 an
unseen text and MED2 questions
on topic areas
 Internally set production linked to
MED2 from: Film & Broadcast
Fiction, Documentary, Advertising
& Marketing & British Newspapers.
OLD SPECIFICATION
 2 modules (1 exam and 1
coursework module)
 MEST1 – mix of unseen stimulus
and questions on cross-media
topics (case studies)
 Coursework worth 50%
 MEST 2 – 2 practical pieces
(using different platform
technologies) with evaluation.
Externally set briefs designed to
be more reflective of real media.
NEW SPECIFICATION
 Independent study is key to success in Media Studies. You will not do well in this subject if
you do not stay informed about the contemporary media landscape.

 Have an open mind....and if you want to challenge a viewpoint please do. Media Studies is all
about different people’s perspectives and interpretations...it is one of the things which make it
such an enjoyable whilst challenging subject! (Just remember to stay respectful of other’s views)

 Subscribe to www.mediaguardian.co.uk for the briefing (you can receive daily or weekly
email alerts) with top news stories from across all media.

 Use the http://mediamacguffin.blogspot.com/ as directed by your teachers.

 Consider the two technologies for the different media platforms
you will be using for your Unit 2: Creating Media (coursework:
worth 50% of your AS grade) and practice using the equipment:
 Broadcast – Adobe Premiere
 Print – Adobe Photoshop

 You will be given advice and guidance on how to use these

programmes but there is nothing like having a go on your own
and practising. The more familiar you are with the technology
the more professional the finish of your practical production.
Please be aware that in such a rapidly changing and
developing media environment the standards each year get
higher and higher! It is becoming easier to obtain professional
results with programmes and technology which are becoming
increasingly available and accessible to a mass market.
 Maintain a comprehensive set of notes and file all handouts
etc in order. (These will be checked and marked frequently
and will form part of your assessment on this course).

 Complete all homework and coursework tasks to the best of

your ability and to the deadlines set.

 Don’tjust be a passive media consumer! Be an active

audience member....question what you are receiving at all
times.
 Fantastic and enthused teachers who truly enjoy their subject and have a
wide range of experience in both the media and of teaching.
 Your teachers have worked in the following media industries:
 Literature, PR,
PR Film,
Film e-Media Advertising & Marketing

 A subject that is truly what you make of it...your enjoyment and success is
only limited by your imagination and input both as an individual and a class
member.

 A staff body that have been judged to be ‘outstanding’ in media teaching by

OFSTED.

 We love it.....we want you to love it too!

 Radio
Newspapers TV Internet

Magazines
Cinema
? Gaming/ Mobile /
Internet/ Music
 How much time did you spend
consuming each media text?
 Consider for a moment....what was the
purpose of using each form?
*

 Entertainment

 Information

 Communication (with others)

?

*audiences use media texts for certain purposes (U&G theory)