The candidate’s marks are at the bottom of level 4 for AO2 and AO3, and towards the top of level 3 for AO4, therefore overall we can say that the portfolio fulfills the objectives for level 3 with some movement into level 4.
[AO2] the candidate’s application of knowledge and understanding to show how meanings are created in media products is apparent at a satisfactory, and at times competent, level, as demonstrated in the blog, in the finished product and in the creative critical reflection;
[AO3] The ability to plan a media product is satisfactory, with evidence visible within the film opening task. There is some evidence of decisions and revisions as part of the process, indicating some sense of the journey of the production. The finished product shows some evidence of being the outcome of this process and is readable as a film opening. Its meaning is apparent to the viewer. The appropriate use of elements relating to film production is satisfactory moving towards competent. Digital creative tools are used to satisfactory effect in the creative critical reflection
[AO4] The ability to undertake and apply appropriate research is apparent at a satisfactory level, as evidenced on the blog with some examples of film or production elements. The finished product also demonstrates some evidence of this research. Research informs the creative critical reflection to some degree. (9607 2015 syllabus pp24-26)
Overall the portfolio presented in the blog below is a satisfactory example of what is expected at this level. There are a satisfactory number of blog posts, but some of the “preliminary” materials are not relevant to the final outcome (see examiner notes within the blog), which are clearly dated and follow a clear path from the start of the project to the final product and reflection.
The content of some of the posts lean towards being descriptive rather than analytical or discursive but overall their role in the process of production is clear. Research has been completed but is not always relevant to the final product. Planning is limited/satisfactory and could have included a wider range of tasks to move firmly into being competent. In order to produce an excellent portfolio learners should complete a range of thoughtful, detailed, and relevant planning activities e.g. recce reports, casting sessions, scripting and screenplay production, test shots (especially for any effects used), storyboarding, risk assessments.
The final production clearly moves the candidate’s overall assessment from being limited towards being competent (level 4) and is readable as a film within its genre. This moves the portfolio as a whole into level 3 rather than level 2. The final production is the strongest element of this portfolio and if the rest of the learner’s submission was to this standard their mark would have been higher. The creative critical reflection is just about satisfactory in places but could be improved by a greater creative use of a range of digital applications to demonstrate the learner’s knowledge and understanding. The required questions have been addressed to a limited/satisfactory standard but lack a real sense of detail expected at higher levels. Short responses to the questions do not allow candidates to fully demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the process of production.
Preliminary tasks
A useful exercise in preparation for both the practical work to come and the AS exam. However, the preliminary task does not in itself form part of the assessment and as such should not occupy too much of the blog.
The assessed part of the blog really starts here. For this portfolio we have given some credit for the Preliminary Tasks in so far as they can be seen as part of the research and planning process and show skills development. This blog, however, contains far too much “Preliminary” material and not enough assessed material directly focused on the set brief.
AS & A Level Media Studies
[AO2] the candidate’s application of knowledge and understanding to show how meanings are created in media products is apparent at a satisfactory, and at times competent, level, as demonstrated in the blog, in the finished product and in the creative critical reflection;
[AO3] The ability to plan a media product is satisfactory, with evidence visible within the film opening task. There is some evidence of decisions and revisions as part of the process, indicating some sense of the journey of the production. The finished product shows some evidence of being the outcome of this process and is readable as a film opening. Its meaning is apparent to the viewer. The appropriate use of elements relating to film production is satisfactory moving towards competent. Digital creative tools are used to satisfactory effect in the creative critical reflection
[AO4] The ability to undertake and apply appropriate research is apparent at a satisfactory level, as evidenced on the blog with some examples of film or production elements. The finished product also demonstrates some evidence of this research. Research informs the creative critical reflection to some degree. (9607 2015 syllabus pp24-26)
Overall the portfolio presented in the blog below is a satisfactory example of what is expected at this level. There are a satisfactory number of blog posts, but some of the “preliminary” materials are not relevant to the final outcome (see examiner notes within the blog), which are clearly dated and follow a clear path from the start of the project to the final product and reflection.
The content of some of the posts lean towards being descriptive rather than analytical or discursive but overall their role in the process of production is clear. Research has been completed but is not always relevant to the final product. Planning is limited/satisfactory and could have included a wider range of tasks to move firmly into being competent. In order to produce an excellent portfolio learners should complete a range of thoughtful, detailed, and relevant planning activities e.g. recce reports, casting sessions, scripting and screenplay production, test shots (especially for any effects used), storyboarding, risk assessments.
The final production clearly moves the candidate’s overall assessment from being limited towards being competent (level 4) and is readable as a film within its genre. This moves the portfolio as a whole into level 3 rather than level 2. The final production is the strongest element of this portfolio and if the rest of the learner’s submission was to this standard their mark would have been higher. The creative critical reflection is just about satisfactory in places but could be improved by a greater creative use of a range of digital applications to demonstrate the learner’s knowledge and understanding. The required questions have been addressed to a limited/satisfactory standard but lack a real sense of detail expected at higher levels. Short responses to the questions do not allow candidates to fully demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the process of production.