Guidance on applying the marking criteria — AQA GCSE Media Studies
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Guidance on applying the marking criteria explained
Understanding how your non-exam assessment (NEA) is marked helps you to meet the requirements.
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The marking instructions use a 'level of response' system. This means the mark scheme is broken down into several distinct levels, such as Level 1 to Level 4. Each of these levels has a specific descriptor—a paragraph explaining the characteristics of work at that standard. For example, a higher-level descriptor might require 'excellent application of media language', while a lower one might state 'basic application'. By reading these descriptors, you can see exactly what skills and qualities the examiner is looking for in your media product.
Your focus
- Explain what a level of response mark scheme is.
- Identify the purpose of a level descriptor in the marking process.
- Use level descriptors to evaluate the standard of a media product.
Guidance on applying the marking criteria exam tips
Examiner Tips
- 💡Read the level descriptors for the highest band before starting your NEA to understand the target.
- 💡Compare your draft product against the descriptors to self-assess your current level.
- 💡Focus on the specific adjectives used in the descriptors, such as 'excellent' or 'consistent', to gauge the required standard.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking marks are awarded for individual features rather than the overall level of response. Correction: Understand that the whole product is judged against the level descriptors.
- Ignoring the specific wording of the descriptors when planning the product. Correction: Use the descriptors as a checklist for the required qualities.
- Assuming all levels require the same skills just executed better. Correction: Higher levels often require more complex skills, such as sustained integration of elements.