A/B/C Grade Examples

The following grade descriptions indicate the level of attainment characteristic of the given grade at AL. They give a general indication of the required learning outcomes at each specified grade. The descriptions should not be interpreted in relation to the content outlined by the specification.  They are not designed to define that content. The grade awarded will depend in practice upon the extent to which the candidate has met the assessment objectives overall. Shortcomings in some aspects of the examination will be balanced by better performances in others.

Grade A

Candidates demonstrate a thorough and wide ranging knowledge and understanding of the concepts and frameworks used in the study of the Media and the connections between them in response to the tasks set. They will have a complex understanding of the dynamic of text and representations, institutions and industries and audiences. Where appropriate this will be informed by both historical and recent developments in media institutions and industries and by a critically informed sense of likely future developments.

Grade B

Candidates will show a critical awareness of the different approaches to textual analysis in language which is well informed, precise and logical. They will be able to base their conclusions on the detailed exploration of recent examples. In their investigation they will reveal appropriate and soundly based approaches to media research by choosing appropriate topics, using appropriate methods, establishing a clear framework to analyse logically their findings/material and drawing appropriate conclusions about the relationship of the topic to developments in the modern media.

Grade C

Candidates demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the concepts and frameworks used in the study of the Media and the connections between them in response to the tasks set. They will have a clear grasp of the dynamic of text and representations, institutions and industries and audiences. They will demonstrate a competent grasp of the key themes established for the study of media institutions and industries and be able to reflect in a systematic manner on the issues these themes raise.

Grade D

Candidates will have a sound grasp of textual analysis expressed in language which is well informed, appropriate to the subject, precise and logical. They will be able to draw sensible conclusions from their study of recent examples. In their investigation they will have identified an appropriate topic, an appropriate research method and will be able to offer sensible conclusions about the relationship of the topic to developments in the modern media.

Grade E

Candidates demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of the concepts and frameworks used in the study of the Media and the connections between them in response to the tasks set. They will have some understanding of the dynamic of text and representations, institutions and industries and audiences. They will be able to reveal some understanding and knowledge of the key themes established for the study of media institutions and industries and will be able to comment critically on some aspects of the issues these themes raise. Candidates will have some sense of textual analysis expressed in language which is appropriate to the subject.  They will be able to choose appropriate and recent examples of texts to discuss. In their investigation they will have identified an appropriate topic, developed a sensible way of approaching the topic and have some sense of the implications of their study for developments in the modern media.