AQA A level Media Studies Past Papers

We’ve refreshed our AS and A-level Media Studies specifications with relevant, contemporary content. They include more explicit and detailed content, highlighting the key concepts, ideas and theories, so that you’re clear on what you need to teach. We’ve designed our assessments to give all students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills. The AS and A-level courses are fully co-teachable.

Why choose AQA for A-level Media Studies

Refreshed and relevant specifications

We’ve worked with media teachers and subject experts in order to build on the success of our outgoing qualifications, providing you and your students with refreshed and relevant qualifications. We’ve included more explicit and detailed content in our specifications, highlighting the key concepts, ideas and theories, so that you’re clear on what you need to teach.

Through studying Media Studies students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. You’ll find contemporary, diverse topics and varied and engaging content, helping your students to develop research, problem-solving skills as well as their creativity. They’ll also refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives.

Our AS and A-level specifications offer a smooth progression from GCSE Media Studies and provide you with scope to teach contemporary thinking in media studies. Students will also extend their practical skills in their chosen medium, building their capacity for independent research, and gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. Our AS and A-level courses are also fully co-teachable so students can be taught in the same class.

Clear, well-structured exams, accessible for all

We know how important it is for written assessments to be clear, well-structured and easy for students to understand. Students will enjoy the variety of question styles we use in our assessment, which includes both short and extended answer questions.

We’ve created exciting non-exam assessment briefs that provide you with clear guidance and support to help your students to create media products which they can be truly proud of.

Clear progression to higher education and beyond

AS and A-level Media Studies give your students transferable skills for future careers and experience that prepares them if they choose to progress with their study.

You can find out about all our Media Studies qualifications at aqa.org.uk/media-studies  

Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/7572 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

• sample schemes of work and lesson plans to help you plan your course with confidence
• student textbooks that have been checked by AQA
• progress tests with engaging on-screen delivery and instant feedback
• training courses to help you deliver AQA Media Studies qualifications
• subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7572 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
• specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
• Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
• example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students’ results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era  

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results  

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn. As well as subject specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

• Improve your teaching skills in areas including differentiation, teaching literacy and meeting Ofsted requirements.
• Prepare for a new role with our leadership and management courses.

You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online – whatever suits your needs and availability. Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa.org.uk  

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