This document provides guidance for planning an essay response to an exam question about skills development in media production. It lists 7 possible scenarios that could be the topic of the exam question and emphasizes the importance of discussing the student's own skills, supporting all points with specific examples from their work, and evaluating their own understanding and progression of skills over the two-year course. The student is advised to refer to developing skills in using digital technology and creativity, and to discuss all 5 of their outcomes from the AS and A2 coursework units.

1. CTK – A2 Media: Unit G325 Critical Perspectives In Media: Section A Theoretical Evaluation of Production
Q1A - ESSAY PLANNING
Possible Scenarios:
1. Creativity in Research & Planning
2. Creativity in Post Production
3. Creativity using Digital Technology
4. Creativity using Conventions of Real Media Texts
5. Digital Technology in Research & Planning
6. Digital Technology in Post Production
7. Using Conventions of Real Media Texts
There are many possible scenarios that could come up in your exam on June 10th
, therefore
you must PLAN!
KEY FACTORS - WHEN WRITING AN ANSWER
YOUR SKILLS
The key with this exam question is to discuss your
very own SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. You have acquired a
range of skills over the past two years, through the
processes and outcomes of both coursework units.
• What can you now do that you could not
previously do before undertaking the unit?
• What knowledge have you gained?
You must constantly refer back to the term SKILLS
throughout your written answer.
YOUR EXAMPLES
All written points must be supported with SPECIFIC
EXAMPLES FROM YOUR OWN WORK. Do not
generalise your points as you will be marked down for
this. Being specific with your examples could include:
• The title of your magazine/poster/trailer.
• A tool/filter/technique you used/applied.
• An exciting media text you researched.
• A website you visited.
• A source of inspiration.
• A tutorial that you undertook.
YOUR UNDERSTANDING
You will need to evaluate your own work objectively.
What this means is that you need to forget that this is
your own work, and criticise it to identify how
technical skills can be improved.
• How can the work be improved?
• Is the work industry standard? (Use of
Conventions – Supported/Challenged).
Your PROGRESSION
You must give a CLEAR SENSE OF PROGRESSION
throughout your answer. Following the formula below
for discussing skills in using Digital Technology and
being Creative will ensure this occurs.
• AS – College Magazine: Minimal Skills
• AS – Music Magazine: Basic Skills
• A2 – Film Package: Proficient-Excellent Skills
Remember to talk about all five final outcomes from both AS & A2 coursework units.
• AS: Foundation Portfolio Coursework - Preliminary Task = College Magazine.
• AS: Foundation Portfolio Coursework – Main Task = Music Magazine.
• A2: Advanced Portfolio Coursework = Film Trailer, Film Magazine and Film Poster.