Wednesday 14 October 2015

MEST3: Media Critical Perspectives

MEST3 is worth 25% of A Level.

This part of the course is a 2 hour 15 minute written examination  worth 80 marks. 

The exam is in two sections: 
A - three compulsory  questions
B - choice of one from two essays

The exam takes place in June. 

The key assessment objectives for this unit of the course are:
AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts (and critical debates)
AO2 - Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes to show how meanings and responses are created. 

MEST4: Media Research and Production

MEST4 is worth 25% of A Level.

This part of the course is a  practical unit. 

The unit is in two sections: 
A critical investigation
Linked production piece


The key assessment objectives for this unit of the course are:
AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts (and critical debates)
AO3 - Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using the appropriate technical and creative skills. 
AO4 - Demonstrate the ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research. 

MEST2: Creating Media

MEST2 is worth 50% of AS (25% of A Level).

This part of the course is a practical creative unit worth 80 marks. 

The elements of the unit required are: 
Research and planning for two linked productions (music video and fanzine)
Creation of the linked products
1500 word evaluation


The key assessment objectives for this unit of the course are:
AO2 - Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes to show how meanings and responses are created. 
AO3 - Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using the appropriate technical and creative skills. 
AO4 - Demonstrate the ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research. 

MEST1: Investigating Media

MEST1 is worth 50% of AS (25% of A Level).

This part of the course is a 2 hour written examination  worth 80 marks. 

The exam is in two sections: 
A - four compulsory short answer questions
B - choice of one from two essays

The exam takes place in May. 

The key assessment objectives for this unit of the course are:
AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts (and critical debates)
AO2 - Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes to show how meanings and responses are created. 





Welcome to WGA Media Studies


Here at WGA we are passionate about Media Studies.

All of our learners are immersed in the media everyday of their lives. Having the skills and understanding to decode this world, to contribute to it and to be creative with it will equip young people with the tools they need to be part of the future.

Creative industries are now worth £8.8 million an hour to the UK economy and accounted fro 1.7 million jobs in 2013 (5.6% of UK jobs), so we believe the media is worth of investigation. 



We follow AQA's A-level Media Studies specification which is designed to encourage candidates to:
  • enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of the media and the role it plays in their daily lives
  • develop critical understanding of the media through engagement with media products and concepts and through the creative application of practical skills
  • explore production processes, technologies and other relevant contexts
  • become independent in research skills and their application in practical work 
  • develop their own views and interpretations.
The AQA course specification can be found at:http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/media-studies/a-level/media-studies-2570



Listen to our helpful guide to the course below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zyGPHOL2YE