GCSE Media Studies Paper 2008

I know, some schools don't get the exam paper until Friday - so I thought i'd scan it in for you all - this is higher tier, so expect more help and guidelines if your doing foundation.

The questions are fairly easy - question one will probably involve much discussion of Hancocks Half Hour, upto My Family - the other 3 questions are pretty much self explanitory.

Three hours seems like way too much for this paper, but whatever!

http://images.habboupload.com/1209410347.png

http://images.habboupload.com/1209440699.png

http://images.habboupload.com/1209438241.png

And the storyboard for task four....

http://images.habboupload.com/1209435491.png

Enjoy! Seems like a too easy of an exam, but i'll take my A* please!

Looks like they are dumbing down media studies even more!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JackBuddy

Looks like they are dumbing down media studies even more!

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I thought that - reading the past few years papers, I was quite worried, but i'm very confident - especially as I have three weeks to revise my answers!

And you get a qualification from that? I can't believe you get to prepare it, lol! If only all exams were like that... lucky Ollie and other Media Studies people!! :)

Thanks. ;)

Task 3 and task 4 are VERY easy I think. Task 2 and Task 1 require a little work but this will be an easy exam I think. Plus 3 hrs to do it all? :eusa_danc:eusa_danc

Also, are you only expected to do the one storyboard sheet?

Heh, shame Media studies is going to be axed soon enough. Universities are starting to deny it as it's complete crap. I heard that from my uncle who works as a Project Manager for BP, gave me this huge Guardian article on Universities and requirements. Media studies ain't really gonna be around for much longer.

Hey, Cheers for this :), Too the post lol, Media Studies helps you with a wide range of things along with being fun! Like your English Skills, Production Skills and Common sense lol!

With the media playin a big part in how we live our lives today Pyroka, I think scrapping the subject would be a bad idea.

Nice, I don't get mine til next week so thanks for that! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Throne Sofa

Thanks. ;)

Task 3 and task 4 are VERY easy I think. Task 2 and Task 1 require a little work but this will be an easy exam I think. Plus 3 hrs to do it all? :eusa_danc:eusa_danc

Also, are you only expected to do the one storyboard sheet?

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Thats what I thought - and no, read the front page, you get two sheets (i'm not sure if they ment 4 sides of A4, or 2 sides of A4) of storyboard, and 12-page answer booklet.

I'm guessing that i'll probably have it done by 2 hours, pah.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pyroka

Heh, shame Media studies is going to be axed soon enough. Universities are starting to deny it as it's complete crap. I heard that from my uncle who works as a Project Manager for BP, gave me this huge Guardian article on Universities and requirements. Media studies ain't really gonna be around for much longer.

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I have to disagree, Media Studies is what infulences us all every day, this forum is full of media, this could be even seen as a media institution in a way - it influences us, along with radio, TV, internet, magazines, newspapers, leaflets, films - so anyone who says it's complete crap obviously has never listened to the radio, switched on a TV, used a computer, read a newspaper or seen a film... or their stupid.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Immenseman

Nice, I don't get mine til next week so thanks for that! :D

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That's why I posted it, ha!

What are people doing for their sitcom?! I don't want your ideas, just want to see - I have a killer idea ;)!

wow, I didn't even study Media Studies at GCSE and I'm certain I could A* that paper LOL

Talk about giving away a qualification. No wonder Media Studies is always blacklisted for most decent college entry requirements and Universities.

Not trying to "back it up" - but the past few papers have actually been quite easy, reading them:

http://aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-ms/AQ...W-QP-JUN07.PDF
2007 paper

http://aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-ms/AQ...W-QP-JUN06.PDF
2006 paper

http://aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-ms/AQ...W-QP-JUN05.PDF
2005 paper

http://aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-ms/AQ...W-QP-JUN04.PDF
2004 paper

Look how easy they all are - but let me tell you, the coursework is bloody hard LOL.

I'm sure if you have half decent essay writing skills then it'd be fine

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Asher

I'm sure if you have half decent essay writing skills then it'd be fine

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Yeah, I got A* in my coursework, pah, but it took me a while - considering I got 60/60 in Practical Production for submitting the work I did on ClubHabbo (yes, haha!), I thought I got off pretty easy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olleh

Yeah, I got A* in my coursework, pah, but it took me a while - considering I got 60/60 in Practical Production for submitting the work I did on ClubHabbo (yes, haha!), I thought I got off pretty easy.

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We had to do either a health campaign, magazine or short film. I chose health campaign and got 57/60 which is an A* as well.

This is one of 3 posters I created (against drink driving).

http://www.upload44.com/uploads/5713pub_resize1.png

For anyone wondering though, designing posters is only a small part of it. I had to take all the photos myself, loads of analysing and write-ups.

CANNN SOME 1 PLEASEE TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE FOR TASK 2 IM STUCK
AND I DNT NO WHAT TO DO
MY EXAM IS ON FRIDAY PLEASEEE
HELLPPP
REPLYY ASAP
TELL ME SOME KEY POINT FOR THAT QUESTION

CANNN SOME 1 PLEASEE TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE FOR TASK 2 IM STUCK
AND I DNT NO WHAT TO DO
MY EXAM IS ON FRIDAY PLEASEEE
HELLPPP
REPLYY ASAP
TELL ME SOME KEY POINT FOR THAT QUESTION


CANNN SOME 1 PLEASEE TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE FOR TASK 2 IM STUCK
AND I DNT NO WHAT TO DO
MY EXAM IS ON FRIDAY PLEASEEE
HELLPPP
REPLYY ASAP
TELL ME SOME KEY POINT FOR THAT QUESTION


CANNN SOME 1 PLEASEE TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE FOR TASK 2 IM STUCK
AND I DNT NO WHAT TO DO
MY EXAM IS ON FRIDAY PLEASEEE
HELLPPP
REPLYY ASAP
TELL ME SOME KEY POINT FOR THAT QUESTION


PLEASEE :S:S:S:S


Edited by ,Jess, (Forum Moderator): Please do not multiple post.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by needhelp

CANNN SOME 1 PLEASEE TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE FOR TASK 2 IM STUCK
AND I DNT NO WHAT TO DO
MY EXAM IS ON FRIDAY PLEASEEE
HELLPPP
REPLYY ASAP
TELL ME SOME KEY POINT FOR THAT QUESTION

---

Think about the current genre on television - ie. Reality Television - are Sitcoms becoming more like reality television, ie. with such programs like Moving Wallpaper coincsiding with Echo Beach? Are more cult sitcoms (such as The Office), wiping out the more traditional sitcoms? AQA think it's doing fine, but what do you think?

pleaseeee some one send me an EMAILLLLLL
ON MY MSN
CUS I DNT REGULARLY COME ON THIS FORUM
AND I URGENTLY NEED THIS
HERE IS MY ADDY
SEND ME IT
VIA EMAIL
PLEASEE
THE BASIC KEY POINTS OT TASK 2
PLEASEE
[email protected]
PLEASEE
URGENT

WHAT DU U MEAN
I DONT UNDERSTAND
CAN U NOT JUST TELL ME
CLEARLY PLEASEE
INSTEAD OF BEATING ROUND THE BUSHH :eusa_clap:eusa_danc
LOLL
WAT SHALL IN RITEE

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olleh

Think about the current genre on television - ie. Reality Television - are Sitcoms becoming more like reality television, ie. with such programs like Moving Wallpaper coincsiding with Echo Beach? Are more cult sitcoms (such as The Office), wiping out the more traditional sitcoms? AQA think it's doing fine, but what do you think?

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TELLL ME SUMM MORE POINTS PLEASEEEE
WAT ELSE DU I RITEEE
U VERY HELPFUL BUT BE A BIT MORE OPEN PLEASEE

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olleh

Think about the current genre on television - ie. Reality Television - are Sitcoms becoming more like reality television, ie. with such programs like Moving Wallpaper coincsiding with Echo Beach? Are more cult sitcoms (such as The Office), wiping out the more traditional sitcoms? AQA think it's doing fine, but what do you think?

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HAV U GOT ANY MORE POINTS THAT CAN FILL ABOUT A PAGE
CUS IVE ONLY GOT THE POINT U JUST TOLSD ME
ANYFNG ELSE


Edited by ,Jess, (Forum Moderator): Please do not multiple post, simply edit your first post.

OLLLEHH
NYFNG ELSE
PLEASEEEE

Do you have any other papers apart from Media Studies?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olleh

but let me tell you, the coursework is bloody hard LOL.

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i liked the coursework. some bits were hard but there were ways around it.

Basically putting english and ict skills into another subject.
We didn't get told out final coursework marks ;o Probs 'cos our teacher left at easter.

On task 3, making your own sitcom. I need a title for mine, I can't think of anything decent. Its about a small group of people at college who have various problems. It needs to be catchy and unique ;)

I'm really poor on making things up, but my knowledge of sitcoms is equal to that of God's knowledge of how to make a planet, so I think I'm safe. This is such a stupid exam though, 3 weeks and 3 hours is so long to prepare an answer...

I can't believe you get a gcse for that.

On the message by you Jack...

This isn't the whole GCSE, it's only 50% of the gcse. So you don't really get a gcse for just that.

It's harder than it seems on the surface...

Harder than it seems? I'd disagree :P I'd maybe accept them giving the first two questions a day in advance to get the sitcom idea thinking stage done but 3 weeks in advance and a 3 hour exam is just short of taking the piss out of the exam system

I found both the foundation and higher tier papers online (including storyboard sheets!). So, it'll be better quality in printing.

HIGHER:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-m...W-PM-JUN08.PDF

FOUNDATION:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/qp-m...W-PM-JUN08.PDF

Hope it helps you all!

Few questions:

• What days are your exam on?
• Decided on your sitcom? If so, what's so good about it?!
• Oh, and, if you can, give hints and tips for others on how to answer the two knowledge questions? (task one and two)

;].
Jay x

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaiisun

Few questions:

• What days are your exam on?
• Decided on your sitcom? If so, what's so good about it?!
• Oh, and, if you can, give hints and tips for others on how to answer the two knowledge questions? (task one and two)

;].
Jay x

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i) Thursday 15th May at 9.00am and Tuesday 20th May at 1.30pm

ii) Yeah, it's about a group of kids who all leave school and get a job at a fastfood resturant, and the problems and errands they get into. It's a mix of Hollyoaks and Skins.

iii) Read my earlier post.

Mine is only 6 (and 7) days away!

Monday 12th May at 13:30 and Tuesday 13th May at 13:30

My sitcom is like Skins! But funnier with less detailed storylines.

;].
Jay x

From seeing the posts on this (and some other forums), it seems that EVERYONE is aiming for the idea of their sitcom to revolve and be into some comparison of Skins. Now is the time i'd consider changing my own, but I don't have the time to re-do all my notes and planning.

Anyone who's not started task three or four yet, i'd probably reccomend laying off a Skins approach.

does ny1 kniow how to do question 2
i find it really hard
even my teacher does not know how to do it
who ever knows MUST be a GENIUS :eusa_clap
can some 1 pleasee tell mee
thank youu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olleh

From seeing the posts on this (and some other forums), it seems that EVERYONE is aiming for the idea of their sitcom to revolve and be into some comparison of Skins. Now is the time i'd consider changing my own, but I don't have the time to re-do all my notes and planning.

Anyone who's not started task three or four yet, i'd probably reccomend laying off a Skins approach.

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I'd say that it doesn't really matter how common the sitcoms are, as i'm sure the examiner will realise that teenage boys and girls are more than likely going to create a sitcom for their age range.

However, if you're looking to surprise the examiner and give him something different to look at - then that's when you'll want something other than a new version of Skins.

;].
Jay x

For comparison's sake, here's my planning for my sitcom. I couldn't care less whether you copy or not, just don't get caught and change the names of the people and the such. I also wouldn't advise it if you live anywhere near me (Nottingham-ish)


The sitcom I have created is based on the adventures and antics of three middle aged men called Reginald Genitalia (or RegGen to friends), Wayne Smartie and Alexis Lexus. The all live on a canal boat on the Erewash Canal in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, England, and this is their primary form of transport with the canal running very close to the playing field on which they play. Their pub is called the “Tiger Inn” and the team is appropriately called the “Tigers.”

The characters take their football extremely seriously, although they often finish bottom of the lowest tier of the English Football League. This often sparks arguments and banter between the men which can serve to set up some one liners or running jokes. They also have lots of very bad taunts for the opposing teams. Leading on from this idea, there could be a running joke in the title squence such as an insult written on the goalpost with marker pen or an amusing message on the back of a T-shirt.

Reginald Genitalia is a typically upper class character, ala “Lord Melbury” in an episode of Fawlty Towers or “Prince George” from Blackadder the Third. This said, his patronising demeanour often makes him look silly when what he is explaining turns out to be completely wrong. His name is also a source of constant amusement, especially since the word “genitalia” is printed on the back of his shirt during matches. He is also the team captain, which gives him the nickname “Captain Genitalia” from other football teams, although his friends and team mates call him RegGen.

Wayne Smartie is a Wayne Rooney-esque player who has lots of muscle but little brainpower. His main trait that everyone else finds funny is his constant misunderstanding off the offside rule, where he will misinterpret the rule based on the word “offisde”, for example thinking that you can only shoot if you fall of the side of the pitch in the process. In the canal boat setting, he is scarily good at snakes and ladders and other such games, despite having an inability to read the rules.

Alexis Lexus is the intelligent character of the programme, ala Blackadder in seires 2,3 and 4 or Polly in Fawlty Towers. The tongue twister name is a running joke in the programme, as it is mispronounced by almost every other character. He is the only truly skilled footballer on the team, and often shows signs of frustration with his team for being so poor. He is the generic good-guy character who always resolves the problems that arise in the episodes. His humour is mainly dry satire like Basil Fawlty and often uses the technique of “Breaking the fourth wall” (which is talking to the audience directly, or in this case the viewer) to complain about the situation and/or people at the time.

Other sources of humour in the programme are the serious attitude of the team to the game despite losing all the time and clearly having no skill at all, frequently puttng all their results down to bad luck. Their frequent encounters with other canal users and their clashes of personalities can also serve as a basis for one liners.

The name of the sitcom is “Down Like The Titanic.” The reasons for this are twofold: firstly it is a reference to their performance in the football league, showing that they are always proceding down the table and that they do this spectacularly ( like the sinking of the Titanic) and secondly the Titanic was a boat, as is their house. The pessimistic tone of the title also represents the main themes of the sitcom, which are negativity and constant failure.

It will be shown at prime time on Channel 4, I would suggest 10PM as that is when C4 traditionally airs its sitcoms and is therefore likely to get good ratings. I have chosen C4 as opposed to the BBC as it is a slightly surreal situation in a similar vein to The IT Crowd and Peep Show, and is therefore likely to become a cult success as opposed to a mainstream success. However, the fact that is isn't completely surreal and appeals to a wide demographic could make it suitable for BBC3 because that channel typically has the same sort of demographic watching to Channel 4 sitcoms, and it also has the chance of being shown on BBC2 if it becomes a success, like “Gavin and Stacey” has recently. However, because BBC3 has lower viewing figures than C4, I would suggest C4 to give the biggest chance of popularity.

It will be aimed at young adult male audiences, aged 16-30. This is because the young male population of the UK typically has an interest in football, whether it be watching matches on television, going to matches in person or playing for a team themselves. Combined with the fact that there is a large portion of the population in this demographic, it should get high ratings provided it's well made and funny.

It should be able to be made with a relatively low budget, with the only expenses being the hiring of a narrow boat for the shots of the outside of it and construction of the sets. It will not be heavy in terms of CG effects as most of its appeal will be the situations and the humour as opposed to the appeal of the aesthetics. The first few series of Red Dwarf were successful with minimal CG effects, whereas the later series started to lose ratings, which were when all the model shots were switched to CGI, suggesting that expensive effects may actually detract from the effectiveness of a sitcom. Indeed, some went as far as to say the seventh series was more of a comedy-drama than a sitcom because the extravagant CG effects and sets overshadowed the comedy.

do you know how to do task 2
im really stuck
thanks

@ needhelp.

Look at hybrid genre's a lot, surrealism in sitcoms, future of sitcoms as well like different types of media we can receive it through now such as the internet and freeview etc. This allows more niche sitcoms. Also bbc3 wanting sitcoms etc.

And for my sitcom... I haven't detailed planned it yet but. It will probably be about a group of women all working in a cafe/resturant and they've got to run the place... etc.. :S

thanks for that
it really helped

I must say Prof-A, you seem to have planned really, really well - I really like your write up. My write up is still on the drawing board, seeing as I am going to do Task 1 and 2 this Thursday, then i've got until 1.30 next Tuesday to plan Task 3 and 4.

If you don't mind, i'm going to take a few notes from your essay ;). Nice work, buddy!