Y12 exam - Media Paper 1: Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).

34/42 A

WWW - Matas, another solid exam performance displayed! lots to credit. You have a natural ability to consider the contexts of CSP's with examples and link/validate these with key theories.

EBI - Naturally, quite difficult to pick out but some more examples of CSP's (Q2 + Q6) would improve your mark.

2) Read the mark scheme for this exam carefully, paying particular attention to the 'indicative content' for each question. This is some of the best analysis you can do as it gives you an idea of what the exam board is expecting. For your LR blogpost, identify ONE point you could have added for the first three questions in Section A:

Q1 (unseen text) additional point/theory: The background to the image makes clear link to Switzerland which carries a longstanding reputation for high-quality watches and clocks. The lake and mountain setting adds to the sense of class, wealth and success the model offers as it looks an exclusive and luxurious destination.

Q2 (unseen text and CSP) additional point/theory/CSP reference: Emphasis on youth (“Now is a good time for your first Swiss Watch”) and mise-en-scene of model perhaps shows an evolution in masculinity with more casual formal attire (suit but no tie, open-necked shirt) plus the sunglasses and facial hair. As Gauntlet says, masculinity is evolving rather than in crisis.

Q3 (music video) additional point/theory/CSP reference: The 2019 Old Town Road scene arguably makes an ideological point through its entirely black casting in a scene that perhaps references the ‘white picket fence’ American Dream.

3) Now focus on Section B. Section B began with two questions testing your knowledge of industry terminology. Make sure you know the answers to these (get the answers from the mark scheme if you have to):

Benefits of vertical integration: Greater control of production process, lower costs and higher profits

Definition and benefits of diversification: Process by which a media company or conglomerate will expand into a different part of the industry in order to both consolidate their power but also keep up with new developments in technology.

4) The Section B CSP focus was on Blinded By The Light. The impact of new technology on distribution was a weaker area in most answers. Pick out three points from the mark scheme that you could have included in your answer here.

• Social media posts for the film supported the Black Lives Matter movement which helped tap into the anti-racism narrative in the film.

• Film was largely unsuccessful at the box office with many industry figures blaming a release strategy that failed to build on positive word-of-mouth and pitted the film against Yesterday another music-based historical film with a romantic storyline.

• Blinded By The Light maintained a largely traditional release in many ways – film posters and trailers

5) Finally, identify three things you plan to revise before your next Media assessment or mock exam (e.g. terminology, particular theories or CSPs etc.) 

• Blinded by the light CSP
• Ideological positions in OTR
• Media codes