Baseline assessment learner response

 Baseline assessment learner response

Create a new blog post called 'Y13 baseline assessment learner response' and complete the following tasks:

1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential).

WWW: Detailed response for Q3, lots of general knowledge of both magazine csp's - cost, circulation figures, target audience profiles 

EBI: Q2 which other media effect theory is the most useful when commenting on this csp 

Not enough specific examples from the CSP pages referenced or audience theories (e.g. uses + gratifications) for Q3 or focus on the industries behind the products

28/40 - B 

2) Focusing on the BBC Newsbeat question, write three ways it helps to fulfil the BBC's mission statement that you didn't include in your original assessment answer. Use the mark scheme for ideas.

Entertain - every newsbeat bulletin contains sport/entertainment content by focusing on sporting events such as the world cup and Wimbledon. They also talk about music/film awards.

3) Question two asked you how useful media effects theories are in understanding the audience response to War of the Worlds. Complete the following:

• Gerbner's Cultivation theory: useful or not useful? Why? It isn’t that useful because the radio broadcast was a one time thing, this means people weren’t repeatedly exposed to it.  
• Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle model: useful or not useful? Why? Somewhat useful, it showed how some people will believe media without question when they trust it. However, it’s an oversimplified theory and the 2 step flow model would be more useful. 
• Stuart Hall's Reception theory: useful or not useful? Why? Very useful, many people knew it was fiction and listened to it for entertainment (preferred/dominant reading). Whereas some people fully believed it and thought it to be a real news broadcast (oppositional). 

4) Write a full essay plan for the 25-mark Magazines question. The mark scheme contains plenty of ideas you can use here. Your plan should include notes/bullet points addressing the following:

• Introduction: one sentence answering the original question and laying out your argument clearly.

GQ and the gentlewoman have both been highly successful in attracting their upper class youth/middle age audience.

• Paragraph 1 content/ideas:

Traditional men’s magazine brand affected by declining print circulation
cross-platform content - social media, YouTube, GQ website
Uses and Gratifications Theory: GQ provides personal identity (self expression, style), surveillance (culture and fashion)
New Masculinity challenges outdated gender norms
It’s adapting but its shrinking print audience show partial success.

• Paragraph 2 content/ideas:

GQ has some success thanks to diversification beyond print.                                 Digital convergence, GQ becoming a multimedia lifestyle brand:GQ YouTube videos and events (GQ Men of the Year).                                                                               curran and Seaton’s power and media industries theory = GQ uses vertical/horizontal integration to maintain power.                                                      Active audiences - Shirky: user engagement through social media comments and online communities                                                                                                    Print sales declining, GQ’s digital media keeps it relevant to a younger audience

• Paragraph 3 content/ideas:

The Gentlewoman 

Publishes twice a year

£10 price, high production quality = luxury experience.

Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Personal identity  intelligent, independent female readers
Surveillance  fashion, sustainability, womens achievements 
Personal relationships sense of belonging through The Gentlewoman Club (exclusive community)

exclusivity and luxury makes it desirable + helps it survive

• Paragraph 4 content/ideas:

Features such as Ramla Ali,  Isabella Tree,  Stella McCartney reflect feminist values and changing social contexts.

Feminist theory (van Zoonen) – rejects objectification and promotes empowerment

Independent ownership – allows creative freedom, niche targeting, and global reach through digital subscriptions.

success in attracting a global, socially aware, high income audience that values authenticity and exclusive media

In contrast to GQ’s digital strategy, The Gentlewoman thrives through niche branding and exclusive engagement 

• Conclusion: sum up your argument a final time in one sentence

GQ has been somewhat successful in adapting to digital media through diversification and rebranding, while The Gentlewoman has been highly successful by turning print into a luxury niche experience and using digital tools to maintain global exclusivity and a strong brand identity.

5) Finally, identify three key skills/topics you want to work on in A Level Media this year before the final exams in the summer.

Media effects theories, key information/examples from csps (revise csps in more detail) and industry context.