H140/H540 MEDIA STUDIES FAQs

Updated 9th March 2009

Please note these FAQs should always be read in conjunction with the OCR Media Studies specification, copies of which can be found on the OCR website. Foundation Portfolio G321

The Briefs Q. A. How many briefs do candidates have to complete? Only one of the briefs (Print, Video, Audio or Website) but both the Preliminary and Main task from the chosen brief must be completed. Can I make up my own briefs? No, the briefs must be taken from the OCR Media Studies specification. How do I mark the preliminary task? The preliminary task is not marked. It is a skills based exercise designed to get candidates using and thinking about the techniques needed in the main task. The finish in the preliminary task neednt be as high as in the main task. However, if the preliminary task is not undertaken 15 marks must be taken off the total from the main task. Evidence of the preliminary task needs to be kept so it is available to the moderator.

Q. A. Q. A.

Video Q. A. How does OCR want evidence of the preliminary task presented for moderation? In this case it is video and we'd want the DVD if the work was selected in the moderator's sample. Is there any restriction over genre for the opening of the film? No. Can we produce a trailer for the main task? No, the main task must be the opening of a film with titles. Technically, what is the 180 degree rule in the context of this task? It is akin to drawing an imaginary line down the centre of the frame - with the two characters probably at either end of the frame - and keeping the camera on one side of the line - but able to move it up, down, left, right etc but not cross the line as that changes the audiences' perspective on the shot.

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

Q. A.

What is match-on-action? Action in one shot, is continued into the next e.g. in this task an exterior shot of the character opening the door moving to an interior shot of them entering the room. What is shot/reverse shot? In this case most people would do the shot/reverse shot with one character sitting down looking at the other character who is off screen, with the shot then switching to them looking back at the original character. It's how most conversations on TV and film are shown, often over-the shoulder of each character in turn. What's best practise for keeping track of, or authenticating candidates work when they are out filming with no supervision? There isn't one answer to this as it is what best suits the centre and candidates but keeping a log of who has done what immediately after each piece of filming would be useful. You have to take candidates word for it when they are off site and unsupervised but if they are logging the work immediately afterwards and bringing it to the next classroom activity you should soon get a feel for which students are contributing more than others. Are there any websites or links I can point my candidates towards for copyright free audio? There are numerous websites that offer copyright free audio and music but you need to bear in mind that even though the music/audio is copyright free to use there can be a charge to download or purchase but you can buy libraries of music/audio that you could use in your centre for two or three years before feeling the need to update them again.

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

Print Q. A. Does print work need to be submitted in hardcopy? Print work can be submitted to the moderator electronically as a PDF file or in hard copy.

Website Q. A. Does the main task need to include video and audio? Yes, we expect to see a multimedia website with working links, original photos, written text, audio and video.

Group Work Q. A. Q. A. What is the maximum group size for G321? Four. Can candidates work individually? Yes.

Q. A.

Can candidates swap groups between preliminary and main task? Yes, but it will be easier for centres to track work if they stay in the same groups.

Research and Planning Q. Does research and planning have to be submitted as hard copy or electronic format? Research and planning evidence may be presented in electronic format OR work may be handed in as scrapbook or folder. This applies to G321 at AS Level only.

A.

Evaluation Q. A. What is the word limit? There is no word limit. The evaluation needs to address the seven key questions posed on page 13 of the specification. Visual evidence is encouraged Does the evaluation need to be submitted in electronic format? Yes, the evaluation needs to be submitted electronically in one or a combination of the four specified formats at the top of page 13 of the specification. If using blogging or PowerPoints does the evaluation have to be in continuous prose? No, definitely not. As long as the questions in the specification are answered candidates could answer in bullet point style if necessary, specifically answering each question. For DVDs and Podcasts candidates can answer the questions aurally.

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Blogs / Websites / Podcasts / PowerPoints / DVD extras Q. A. How do we submit blogs to OCR for moderation? Blogs must be available online for the duration of the moderation period. The URL (web address) must be supplied to the moderator. This can be added to the CW coversheet.

Producing Work Q. A. Can candidates use found work? No, all work must be original, with the exception of audio and music, this doesnt have to be original but must be from a copyright free source.

Q. A.

What are the best methods of presenting PowerPoint work? The following methods are examples that could be used: Each candidate to present individually to the class Groups to present to the class Groups to present to other groups Individuals to present to groups Individuals to present to teachers etc

The PowerPoint would be the evidence passed on to the moderator, along with the teacher's assessment and there is no reason for a moderator to question the assessment unless the written or practical element looks way out. In the mark-scheme it refers to 'understanding' for the evaluation and the ability to communicate, which is partially evidenced by the PowerPoint. The presentation of this PowerPoint by the presenter would either further endorse the mark for the teacher or make them add to or deduct from it, which they would then explain in their marking in much the same way as they currently do for research and planning. So overall, the aim is to support a centre's marks provided their evidence is robust; the aim of the presentation by students is to give it a real context (they have to talk about and answer questions on their work) rather than just hand in a PowerPoint viewed only by teacher and moderator.

Submission of Work Video work must be in DVD format and playable on standard domestic DVD players Audio work must be in CD format If print items are submitted in hardcopy they need to be no larger than A3. If electronic they need to be a PDF. Web pages must be accessible online to the moderator for the duration of the moderation period and also copied as files and burnt to CD for the moderator. No hard copy printouts of online materials will be accepted.