Specification

1) Assessment Objective examined in MEST 4 ?  :

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates

AO3 Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical & creative skills

AO4 Demonstrate the ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research

2) How recent is a "contemporary text" according to the AQA ?

For the purposes of this unit, ‘contemporary’ is loosely defined as within the five years preceding

3) How long should the critical investigation be?
A writtenreport of approximately 2000 words or equivalent material presented in some other format.

4) Can the critical investigation be carried out in groups?

required to produce an individual investigation

5) What part of the assignment are you required to record evidence of secondary research?

The critical investigation should be word processed (if written) and a detailed bibliography/source list provided citing both the primary texts (ie the texts studied) and secondary sources (eg textbooks and journals)

6) Whats the maximum length for a moving image production ?

Moving image and audio work is not expected to be longer than 5 minutes and many products will be shorter than this: animated products or television or radio advertisements may only be 30 seconds long.

7) What is the minimum requirement for a print production per individual ?

Print or e-media products should be at least three pages for an individual candidate, and obviously more for a group production, and must use a substantial proportion of original images

8) What is the maximum production group size ?

Groups may not consist of more than four candidates, to allow each group member sufficient opportunity to contribute.

9) What is the highest level awarded in the level descriptors

Critical Investigation = Level 4 (37-48 marks)   Production = Level 4(25-32 marks)

10) key words from the Level 4 descriptor for :
Critical Investigation :
analytical investigation, critical perspective, wide-ranging research, wide range of academic, media and contextual sources, research of primary and secondary sources ,understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation,

Production :
high production values, competent use of technology, genre codes and conventions, professional standards, within the contemporary media landscape