Introduction
For Component 1, candidates produce a media product from a choice of two set briefs – a film opening or a magazine. They present evidence of the process of their work (research, planning and production) on an online blog. Candidates also reflect critically on their finished media product in a creative digital format of their choice, answering a series of set prompt questions. All work involved in creating the portfolio, including process, finished product, and creative critical reflection, is put online for moderation purposes.
This resource includes two Foundation Portfolios for Cambridge International AS & A Level Media Studies, Component 1. The work by Candidate A and Candidate B is accompanied by moderator comments providing further detail and feedback about the quality of the work.
The moderator comments refer to levels which indicate the rows within the assessment criteria for Component 1:
- level 5 refers to the mark range 9-10 marks
- level 4 refers to the mark range 7-8 marks
- level 3 refers to the mark range 5-6 marks
- level 2 refers to mark range 3-4 marks
- level 1 refers to mark range 1-2 marks.
Component 1 assesses the following assessment objectives (AOs):
AO2 Analyse media products, and evaluate their own work, by applying knowledge and understanding of theoretical and creative approaches, supported with relevant textual evidence.
AO3 Research, plan and construct critically informed media products, including the creative critical reflection, using appropriate technical and creative skills.
The moderator comments included in this resource refer to AO3i, AO3ii, AO3iii, and AO3iv which indicate the columns within the assessment criteria for Component 1:
- AO3i - Use of appropriate media language to communicate meaning to an intended audience
- AO3ii - Use technical skills effectively to express and communicate ideas
- AO3iii - Research, plan and apply knowledge and understanding
- AO3iv - Use technical and creative skills to express and communicate ideas.
