A-level MEDIA STUDIES

You should have your exam timetable, but if you’ve lost it or want peace of mind that it’s AM and not PM, then visit this site to double check.

 

www.modernisationonline.org.uk

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Retakes:

 

Perhaps you didn't get the grade you expected from the summer exams or you've reviewed your UCAS application and have decided that you can get a higher grade with a strategic retake.  There are several factors that affect your grade:

 

• having good subject knowledge,

• accurate case studies,

• a good exam question and an examiner that is feeling in a good mood. 

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If you want to learn how to write an essay, you can visit some of these sites for basic guides on good practice, including podcasts:

https://ilrb.cf.ac.uk/survivalguide/  podcasts on exam revision.

 

Alternatively, you can brush up on our list of growing theorists here, or learn how to reference properly here.

 

The night before exam​

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• Get some rest, set yourself a small, achievable revision target so that you feel like you've achieved something and are more relaxed. 

• Eat well and keep hydrated – save the boozing for after the exam period.

• A good breakfast will sustain you, not too much sugar otherwise you’ll hit a low in the exam.

• Remember that the examiner has a mark scheme for the question you’re answering – answer the question!

• If a question baffles you, don’t panic, just examine it and underline the key words.  Ask yourself what it could be asking and define this in your intro.  It's your essay!

• Brief plans help, either bullet point forms or even mind maps/spider diagrams can give you a visual reference point/aid.

• Avoid waffling or adopting a chatty/informal tone with the examiner.  He/She is not your best mate and probably despises children, only marking exam scripts to support their addictions or fund their latest DIY project.  Use good English, impress them with accurate referencing and present your work neatly.

• Take a pen you’re comfortable using with you (and carry a spare!) 

• Review your time during the exam, have your own watch and be strict about answering questions within time limits.  If this is a weakness, answer the questions that carry most marks first.

• Check over your essay five minutes before the end of the paper.  Use bullet points and asterixes * to add additional information or give clarity to important points.

• Dress comfortably – exam halls can either be cold or sweaty.  Tissues are always useful to have.

• Don’t talk to students who are or appear more academic than you, before or after the exam – partly because it’s all intellectual bravado (see The Apprentice) and partly because it can affect your confidence levels.  No-one likes exams except the businesses who print the recycled exam answer booklets you write on. 

• Go away, cool off and relax before telling someone that they answered the exam wrong