End of year 1 exam learner response

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

2) Look at the mark scheme document linked above. Question 1.1 asks about mise-en-scene. What do we use to remember mise-en-scene? Give one example answer from the clip too - you'll find example answers in the mark scheme.

the two children they are chasings make up and clothes and make up to make them look abandoned and homeless.

3) Question 1.2 asks about narrative features in the extract. Look at the mark scheme to pick out three possible answers for this question. 

Music and sound effects are used during the chase scene to create pace, drama, and excitement, this suggests to the audience that a narrative development is likely to follow an action code

the empty city creates its own enigma code with the mystery of what has happened to the city and the people that lived there. This is partially resolved later in the extract.

Binary opposition: Lyra and Will are presented as binary opposites to the other two children. The lack of grown-ups creates a sense of young/old binary opposition (particularly as children are not in danger from Spectres).

4) Now focus on Question 2 - the 20 mark essay. Use the mark scheme to pick out one way Doctor Who reflects 1963 and one way His Dark Materials reflects 2020. 

In the 1960s, representations were mainly British, white-middle class. Overtime, TV drama has developed to be more inclusive and to show a much wider range of representations. In His Dark Materials, there are people of different ethnicities and
backgrounds.

5) Reflect on your overall work and exam performance this year. What three things do you need to work on or revise in Media for Year 11? 

focus on the writing structures

focus on revising the CSP

more in depth analysis

Blog task 30: kiss breakfast on kiss radio

 Context: Deregulation and the Evolution of Radio

1. What is meant by the term ‘deregulation’ in the context of the UK radio industry? How does this contrast with how the UK government historically controlled the airwaves up until the 1970s?

Deregulation is the dismantle of strict state rules and removed power from the government regulators to the free market

2. Explain how deregulation dismantled ownership laws. How did this change allow multinational media conglomerates to sweep in and build massive national brand networks?

3. In a heavily regulated era, radio stations faced strict penalties or license loss if they abandoned local programming or dropped community news quotas. How has modern deregulation allowed Bauer Media Group to cut expensive local production costs for KISS Breakfast?

They now only have one studio that broadcasts nationally meaning there is less costs on productions for local stations

4. How does the regulation of traditional AM/FM radio frequencies differ from digital-only streams? Explain how this "light-touch" digital regulation allows Bauer to launch niche sub-stations instantly on apps without complex government approval.

They have a app called Rayo meaning they do not need government approval as it is not funded by the government and they don't have a strict license 

Industry: Conglomerates, Monetization, and Multi-Brand Ecosystems

1. Who are Bauer Media Group (BMG)? Detail their scale in the UK market and contrast their commercial intent with the public service remit of the BBC.

The Bauer Media Group are a multinational cross media conglomerate they operate over 60 radio stations in the UK, they are driven strictly by profit and power whereas BBC are to inform educate and entertain and are funded by a license fee

2. Rather than relying on a single radio station to capture young people, Bauer utilizes a multi-brand strategy. Name the spin-off sub-brands built around the flagship product and explain the industry logic behind this network. What competitors are they trying to stop young audiences from turning to?

kiss is the main station

kisstory and kisstory RnB are for older skewing variants

kiss extra and kiss dance are for more niche sub genres and club music taste

3. What is the Rayo platform, and how does it change BMG's monetization model? Explain how moving from standalone station apps to a unified streaming platform allows them to shift from relying solely on advertising to securing direct consumer payments.

Rayo is a single customized streaming platform, where they introduced a subscription for ad free listening further securing consumer payments

Audience: Targeting Gen Z, Rebranding, and Media Reception

1. Define the specific age bracket, socio-economic profile, and gender bias that KISS Breakfast targets. What are the distinct media consumption habits of this core demographic?

Aimed for a 15-34 year old audience

urban demographic with a slight female bias

2. Gen Z rarely consumes media via traditional schedules.

a. What percentage of Gen Z listening to Bauer stations happens strictly via digital devices?

over 84%

b. How does BMG package KISS Breakfast content to satisfy the visual, short-form demands of audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram?

To give visual short information when the listeners aren't listening, also to attract new listeners

3. What interactive strategies does the KISS Breakfast show rely on to drive instant audience interaction, and how are these entries seamlessly completed by the listener?

they have different presenters every couple of years, which can introduce new audiences  

4. Using the theoretical frameworks discussed in class, note down how a listener might interact with KISS Breakfast:

a. Give an example of a Preferred Reading vs. an Oppositional Reading of the show.

preferred reading - 

oppositional reading - 

b. Apply Blumler & Katz's Uses and Gratifications Theory to KISS Breakfast. How does the show fulfil an audience's need for Diversion/Entertainment, Personal Relationships, Personal Identity, and Surveillance?

diversion/entertainment -

personal relationship - 

personal identity -

surveillance -

Year 11 Paper 1 Assessment: Learner Response

 1) Type up your feedback:

what went well

good knowledge of csp in the exam

next steps

work on your exam approach/technique

read each question carefully respond to the keywords in questions

a. What Mark and Grade did you get?

Grade - 4

mark - 19/42

b. What targets were you given for the longer written questions?

practice exam technique

2) Look at the mark scheme for this assessment. For Question 2 (12 mark unseen) use the indicative content in the mark scheme to identify three points that you could have referred to in your answer.

• design and layout

• typography

• non-verbal and verbal codes

3) For Question 3 (Galaxy - Propp's Character Theory) use the mark scheme to write down the main characters that you could have referenced and how we can link them to the Galaxy advert CSP. 

Audrey Hepburn - Princess

Car driver - (false) hero

Bus driver - doner

4) Now look at Question 4 (Galaxy - Class Stereotypes). Use the mark scheme to identify three points you could have made in your answer here.

The characters on the bus, the bus driver and the stall holder all have a slightly stereotypical lower class ‘look’, given their clothing and make-up.

Audrey is stereotypically ‘upper class' in terms of looks, outfit and demeanour,

The car driver is a stereotypical ‘leading man’ – handsome, successful and obviously wealthy, given his outfit, and his fancy car.

5) Next, look at Question 5 - Blackpink & Globalisation. Use the mark scheme to identify three ways the How You Like That music video has been tailored to Blackpink's global fanbase.

•Music videos can occasionally appropriate global cultural styles, sometimes without context or acknowledgment

Parts of the song is sung in English which prompts a western audience

BlackPink has global success which suggests a global impact

6) Lastly, look at Question 6 - Kiss FM & Money. Use the mark scheme to idea two revenue streams that you didn't consider in your response. How do they help to generate money for Kiss FM?

Kiss Breakfast includes advertising breaks, with advertisements being targeted at the 15–34 demographic.

Kiss was partnered with Disney + in the past and is now partnered with costa coffee

as kiss target audience is 15-34 social media will be used to gain engagement from that audience resulting in monetisation

7) Thinking ahead, write down three things you are going to work on before your next mock exam in December (e.g. time management; revising CSPs etc.)

Practicing exam technique

revise deeper into the CSPs

create a schedule to manage time

OSP : Marcus Rashford

 Context:

1. Open his official website (marcusrashfordofficial.com). Find ONE thing that is about FOOTBALL and ONE thing that is about CAMPAIGNING. What does this balance suggest about his brand priorities?

Language:

Analyse the website (or a page of it) using the denotation/connotation method, then judge its coherence.

1.  Write 3 things you DENOTE (literally see).

1. multiple pictures of Marcus Rashford, either playing/coaching football at at a brand photoshoot 

2.Logo and branding MR

3. a context page

2.  For each, write what it CONNOTES (suggests).

1. suggests his passion and enjoyment for photoshoots and playing or coaching football

2. suggests he is representing himself

3. suggest easy access to information

3.  Identify ONE technical code and ONE genre (website) feature

Editing - Pictures inputted that change colour when swiped over or pressed

4.  Judge: Is the site 'bitty' or 'well-integrated and coherent'? Why - and what does that say about his brand?

the site is well integrated and coherent this is because it is easy and simple to navigate through and provides smooth learning, this says that he wants simple branding

5. Describe 3 differences between his website and his Instagram/Twitter (look / content / purpose).

his website is used to inform and teach whereas his Instagram and twitter is used to promote and interact

6. How does Marcus Rashford's online presence use the narrative of his childhood upbringing to create a positive brand identity?

Industry:

Imagine a brand (e.g. Burberry or Aldi) is deciding whether to pay Marcus Rashford to promote its products. Build the case.

1.  List 3 reasons it is in the brand's interest to associate with him.

1. publicity

2. he has a huge impact

3. huge fanbase

2.  Explain HOW social media is used to make the association.

Promotes his social media and sponsors on his website

3.  Identify ONE risk to the brand if it goes wrong.

One risk is the brand may lose customers

4.  Decide: would you advise the brand to go ahead? Justify.

yes, as it has good promotion.

5. Investigate ONE brand linked with Rashford (Burberry, Aldi, Nike or Tesco). Why does that brand benefit from associating with him, and how is social media used to make the link?

Burberry, the brand may gain a larger customer list due to Rashford having a larger fanbase who may buy from that company if he is the ambassador, social media is used to reach a whole audience who may like football or have a interest to entice them to purchase the product

Audience:

Take one of his campaign posts and write all THREE readings of it.

1.  Preferred: what does he want you to think and do?

He wants us to think he is a good person and want to support everyone

2.  Negotiated: where might a follower half-agree?

Sometimes it may seem forced or not fully honest

3.  Oppositional: how might a critic reject it?

It is performative and done for positive attention

4.  Which Uses & Gratifications need does this post serve best? Why do you believe this?

Information and surveillance this is because he has multiple web links regarding his history information on his sponsors etc.

5.  Explain how his website's mode of address (style) speaks to BOTH football fans and campaign supporters.

He splits the section into separate web links so those interested in one can only read upon that while supporting him as a person

Representation:

Choose a post/page from Rashford’s website (himself, a campaign, or fans).

1.  Selection: what is shown? What is left out?

He shows himself and sponsors but leaves out fans 

2.  Construction: which media-language choices (Mise-en-scene, camera shots/angles, etc) build the representation?

He uses a range of camera angles (e,g a low angle shot) which is used to create dominance and authority within his football career 

3.  Stereotype check: positive, negative, or challenging a stereotype? (Consider stereotypes on all of CAGE) Justify.

Challenging the stereotype that famous people do not support charities and only want fame

4.  Describe one way he is represented positively and one stereotype he challenges.

He represents a charity, and also promotes things for younger children which is often stereotyped as a thing famous people do not do

5.  Evaluate: 'Rashford's online presence challenges negative stereotypes.' How far do you agree?

I agree partly this is because he doesn’t directly challenge it but at the same time he does by calling people out at wrong doings openly donating etc.

Challenge: Analyse how Marcus Rashford’s online presence has been constructed to create a positive representation of the footballer. (6 Marks)

GCSE Media Studies: Coursework:

 Summer Project Tasks
Task 1: Research and Textual Analysis (Understanding Conventions)

Objective: Understand how industry professionals establish branding, use media language, and create a "house style."

Choose ONE of the options below to analyze, depending on which brief you are leaning toward:

Brief 4 (Sports Promotion): Find the official website and social media feeds (e.g., Instagram/TikTok) of a real sports personality or presenter (e.g., Marcus Rashford, Serena Williams, Alex Scott).

Brief 5 (Music Video): Choose an official music video by an established band or solo artist that tells a clear story or features a strong community of fans.

✅

Your Blog Post Requirements:

Mise-en-scène & Visual Style: Take 3 screenshots. Use the CLAMPS acronym (Costume, Lighting, Actor  placement/movement, Make-up, Props, Setting) to explain how a specific mood or brand identity is created. What are the denotations and connotations of these choices?

Target Audience: Who is this media product aimed at? Explain how the language, tone, and visual style appeal directly to this target audience.

Branding / House Style: 

If you chose the Music Video: How does the video make the audience feel like they are part of a fan community? How does it build the artist's brand?

The video is made to show one’s connection to the world, despite being lost and lonely, you will always find your way back to where feels like home, this builds the artist’s brand as sometimes home isn’t a place it’s a person and they won’t to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome they also strive to make everyone feel happy and comfortable in their own skin without changing themselves for others

If you chose the Sports Website: How do they maintain a consistent look (fonts, colors, logos) between the website and social media?

Task 2: Establishing a Concept & Brand Identity

Objective: Practice brainstorming an original concept, identity, and narrative framework.

Now, you will invent a fictional sports personality OR a fictional music artist/band.

Your Blog Post Requirements:

The Bio: Write a brief introduction to your fictional person/group.

A solo artist, who has a passion for song writing and composition and wanted to share their music to the world and make people feel like they are included and loved as they are

Sports: What is their sport? What is their role? What charity, cause, or social issues do they champion/support?

Music: What is the name of the band/artist? What is their musical genre? What is the core style/vibe of their brand?

Logo and House Style Mood Board: Create a visual mood board (Collection of images) for your concept. It must include:

A color palette (3–4 specific colors that reflect their identity). Tool: https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel

Font styles that fit the genre/sport. 

shadows into light 

Some logo examples that might be used to inspire your own person/band that establishes the brand in the way that you envision.

Task 3: Website/Music Video Planning
Objective: Consider the practicalities of your production and what is required to make this possible.

Plan out the basic details for your website/music video. Complete the following on your blog:

Plan for music video/website (narrative/performance/message etc.): 

Narrative

Performance

Message : To show everyone that you are perfect no matter what and you don’t have to change yourself for anyone else just because they don’t like how you are now

Link to brief (positive role model for website/sense of community for music video):

Actors/performers you plan to use: 

Locations: 

Inside a house 

Costume/make-up/props required:

Mirror

Task 4: Statement of Intent

On the same Summer Project blogpost, write the rough first draft of your 300-word Statement of Intent for the website/music video you plan to create. The final draft of this document will be submitted to the exam board alongside your music video production/website and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.

, a music artist, who's focus is on making people feel as if they are in a community, she aims to target a wide variety of audiences, but mainly focuses on teens and young adults, her gender isn't limited to one, but her style is more focused toward females. This music video will include a wide variety of filming spots to portray that no matter where you are you are in a community. The music video will be centred around a girl who struggles to immerse herself into a safe community before eventually finding one of her own, which aims to inform the audience they are seen and need to be like the girl who is searching endless for a safe space, the majority of teenagers can relate to this, or even those in a new space who feel like they are not enough or are not welcome. I would include action and makeup 

Guidance and minimum requirements can be found in the AQA brief from their NEA Student Booklet.

We also strongly recommend you look at our Statement of Intent questions to consider document too.

Blog task 29: Radio: Launch of BBC Radio 1 CSP

 Historical, Social and Cultural Contexts

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

BBC radio home, BBC radio light, BBC third

2) How was BBC radio reorganized in September 1967? What were the new stations that launched?

Radio, 1, 2, 3, and 4 where launched 

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

pirate radio was a radio station that was broadcasted from the ocean to avoid the laws so they could avoid the needle time and only play music all day, this was popular because it only played music

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

Pirate radio stopped broadcasting as a new international law had been put in place called the 1967 marine broadcasting offences act.

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

The needle time had been removed so Radio 1 was now allowed to play music all day

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

needle time was how long a radio can play music which was 5 hours, this caused a problem for the BBC as a lot of young people only wanted to listen to music but they wasn't able to do that due to the needle time

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

Radio 1 played only music and tried to engage the audience whereas the other radio stations was factual, reports, podcasts or e-books.

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

Radio 1 firsts presenter was Tony Blackburn, this caused upset because the BBC presenters felt as if they were being replaced and wasn't needed anymore

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners?

The broadcast was very loud and had sound effects which might have appealed to a younger audience

10) How was Tony Blackburn's radio show more like pirate radio rather than traditional BBC radio content?

Tony Blackburns show was like a pirate show as he tried to create a relationship with the audience by engaging with the audience compared to the usual news talk and books read on other BBC radio channels

Audience and Industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

The target audience was 15-29 year old's

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

there was still no ban on the pirate radios so the majority of young listeners stayed on those radios until they got banned

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

They offered diversion

4) How is the BBC funded?

The BBC is funded by the public by a TV license 

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional readings have been for BBC Radio 1 in 1967? 

The preferred reading would be that radio 1 is cool and rebellious.

the oppositional reading may be that the BBC has a completely new unwelcoming atmosphere

 

index - music videos

 1.BlackPink and introduction to music videos

2. Artic Monkeys i bet you look good on the dance floor