John Hibbert, OCR Media and Film Subject Advisor

Here at OCR we’ve had lots of queries from centres in recent weeks about marking coursework, or non-exam assessment (NEA).

There have been questions about how to apply the mark scheme. This isn’t surprising as it hasn’t been assessed for two years, so a larger number of teachers than normal will be submitting marks for moderation for the first time. We’ve also had questions about administrative requirements, and most particularly about whether any allowances should be made when marking for the abnormal and difficult circumstances many students have had to contend with while completing their assignments. 

Regarding that last point, the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) has recently released guidance, which makes it clear that all NEA must be marked in the same way as before the pandemic disruption. This is really important, as it will help ensure that all students’ work is marked to the same standards. 

As the JCQ guidance also says, the 2022 grading process that takes place after marking, when the grade boundaries are set, will provide a safety net. So please don’t think that by marking your students’ work to pre-pandemic standards this year, you are in any way doing them an injustice. (For more on 2022 grading, please see this Ofqual article from September last year.) 

In the light of that recent JCQ announcement, and the queries we’ve had from you, we thought it would be helpful to provide a quick summary of the support available to ensure that you are marking to the correct standard.

Guides to applying the mark scheme

There are several resources that will help you have confidence in your application of the mark scheme for the NEA component:

• Free on-line marking courses for GCSE Media, A Level Media and A Level Film are available on OCR Train. They can be completed in your own time and include a series of tests designed to ensure that you are correctly allocating levels to pieces of work. 
• Candidate exemplars from the 2019 series are available for GCSE Media, A Level Media and A Level Film.
  
• This blog article addresses some key questions about marking the NEA for GCSE and A Level Media Studies.
  
• Each year we run CPD sessions on the NEA, which include exemplar work as well as advice and guidance. These can be accessed through the Resources and materials section of Interchange (login required). Useful materials from sessions focused on the NEA include: 
  • GCSE Media Studies – Understanding the assessment 
  • A Level Media Studies – Understanding the assessment 
  • A Level Media Studies – Ask the moderator 
  • A Level Film Studies – Understanding the assessment 
  • A Level Film Studies – Ask the moderator 
• Finally, do refer back to the reports on the NEA component which are published after each series, and which include pointers on marking. 
  • GCSE Media Studies Creating Media 2019 report 
  • A Level Media Studies Making Media 2019 report 
  • A Level Film Studies Making Short Film 2019 report
    

We also have resources available to support you if your students are submitting NEA prototypes in 2022 instead of completed productions. 

GSCE Media Studies 

• Example prototype with commentary 
• How to assess prototypes and supporting evidence 
• Example cover sheets 

A Level Media Studies 

• How to assess prototypes and supporting evidence 
• NEA prototype with commentary (Interchange login needed) 
• Example cover sheets 

A Level Film Studies 

• Example prototype with commentary 
• How to assess prototypes and supporting evidence 
• Example cover sheets 

More information about requirements for submitting prototypes can be found in the Changes for 2022 section of the GCSE Media, AS and A Level Media and AS and A Level Film webpages.

Administrative points to remember

General information on NEA administration is available on our website. 

Note the following specific points: 

• NEA cover sheets must be completed and submitted to the moderator along with the candidates’ work. Cover sheets can be downloaded from the Administration section of GCSE Media, AS and A Level Media and AS and A Level Film webpages. 
• For GCSE and AS and A Level Media Studies, candidates’ Statements of Intent must be submitted for moderation. At GCSE research and planning materials do not need to be sent to the moderator. For AS and A Level Media Studies and Film Studies research and planning should be submitted. 
• Any work submitted as digital files must be in universal file formats.

Looking forward to next year’s cohort

We hope that your students enjoy creating their NEA productions. The practical element is a vital part of these qualifications. Each year we’re really impressed to see the creativity of work submitted. 

Delivery guides to support the NEA are available for GCSE Media Studies, A Level Media Studies and A Level Film Studies. 

This blog article has tips on delivering the NEA for A Level Media Studies. 

Finally, we will, as always, be offering CPD on the NEA components in the next school year. Keep an eye on the Professional Development section of our website and be sure to have signed up for media and film updates (details below) to get details of when these become available.

Stay connected

If you have any questions, you can email us at media@ocr.org.uk call us on 01223 553998 or tweet us @OCR_Media_Film. You can also sign up to subject updates and receive email information about resources and support.

About the author

John Hibbert - Subject Advisor

John Hibbert has been Subject Advisor for Media and Film Studies since 2018. Prior to joining OCR John taught a range of media and film studies qualifications in secondary schools and was a head of department for eight years. Predictably, in his spare time he is a keen filmgoer, and in addition enjoys reading and miserable indie music.