Monday 19 March 2007

Clive Edwards

Both presentations given by Principal Examiner Clive Edwards can now be downloaded in .rtf format:
  • The Magazine Industry

  • Freedom, Regulation and the British Press
  • Friday 16 March 2007

    The New Spec - Media Studies A level 2008

    The growth of new media opens new possibilities and expectations for students. In the light of these developments the new subject specification will encourage an integrated approach to coursework and exams with greater expectations of student production work and electronic research and planning.



    Details of the Chief Examiner's presentation can be found here

    Draft of the New Spec on OCR Website by end of March, including old and new spec comparison information.

    See the skillset website for information on the Creative & Media Diploma

    Pawl Fulker



    A presentation by film pre-visualisation artist Pawl Fulker on the stages and processes in animating computer effects for the Harry Potter movies.

    Alex Thomson



    Channel 4 newsreader Alex Thomson in full flow during his lively and forthright presentation about his work and TV news in general

    Critical Research Study: Richard Harvey



    The Principal Examiner offers detailed guidance on the teaching of research skills for the Critical Research paper, with particular emphasis on developing informed engagement, critical relection and a cohesive structure. Additional material is available for downloading:

  • Independent Research Presentation

  • Setting Up a Research Environment

  • Silk Purse from Sows' Ears
  • "What's New in New Media" by Bill Thompson



    An exciting presentation on contemporary debates in web development that explores the potential of evolving online experimentation and the challenges offered by changing technologies. The full text of Bill's talk can be downloaded here.

    See here for information on the Demos report on the disparity between student experiences of New Media Technology at home and in school.

    Donna Cooper-Cliftlands



    Donna considers a point with delegates in the production work session

    Production & Portfolio Work: Donna Cooper-Cliftlands and Steve Beckingham

    Examples of student music videos were used to demonstrate the application of the level criteria for the Construction Element.

    An Audio file of the session will follow shortly.

    Ricky Hudson




    many delegates benefitted from the expertise of Long Road technician Ricky during the conference.

    AS Exam Workshop: Jason Mazzocchi and James Baker





    Starting with a game of virtual tennis, Jason and James apply a case study approach to the New Media Technologies paper using the Nintendo Wii to illustrate wider debates such as developments in media ownership and branding, audience changes and issues of conflict & competition.

    Sunday 11 March 2007

    Exhibitors and Demonstrators

    • Julian Coultas - Apple Education

    • Alison Walters – Hodder Arnold

    • John Atkinson – Auteur Publications

    • Jenny Grahame – English and Media Centre

    • Nicky North – BFI

    • Ricky Hudson – Media Technician at Long Road 6th Form College

    Guest Speakers

    Alex Thomson is Chief Correspondent for Channel 4 News

    Bill Thompson writes a weekly column for BBC Online and appears on radio’s Digital Planet. He also teaches journalism at the City University.

    Pawl Fulker is a visual effects supervisor working on such films as the Harry Potter series.

    Saturday 10 March 2007

    Programme of Events

    Media Studies Conference
    Friday 16 March 2007
    New Connaught Rooms, London

  • All sessions will run for 50 minutes to allow time for delegates to move between rooms.
  • Refreshments will be available all day in the WARWICK ROOM, and a resource pack for all delegates will also be available for collection from this room.
  • 10.00am

    Introduction in the YORK ROOM

    10.30am

    Diploma Latest: Stuart Lunn in the YORK ROOM

    Exhibitors & Demonstrators in the CAMBRIA ROOM

    Production & Portfolio Work: Donna Cooper-Cliftlands and Steve Beckingham in the AMPTHILL ROOM

    AS Exam Workshop: Jason Mazzocchi and James Baker in the DEVON ROOM

    11.30am

    Guest Speaker 1: Bill Thompson in the YORK ROOM

    Exhibitors & Demonstrators in the CAMBRIA ROOM

    Production & Portfolio Work: Donna Cooper-Cliftlands and Steve Beckingham in the AMPTHILL ROOM

    AS Exam Workshop: Jason Mazzocchi and James Baker in the DEVON ROOM

    12.30pm

    Lunch will be served in the WARWICK ROOM

    1.15pm

    Guest Speaker 2: Alex Thomson in the YORK ROOM

    Exhibitors & Demonstrators in the CAMBRIA ROOM

    Freedom, Regulation and the British Press: Clive Edwards in the AMPTHILL ROOM

    Critical Research Study: Richard Harvey in the DEVON ROOM

    2.15pm

    Guest Speaker 3: Pawl Fulker in the YORK ROOM

    Exhibitors & Demonstrators in the CAMBRIA ROOM

    The Magazine Industry: Clive Edwards in the AMPTHILL ROOM

    Critical Research Study: Richard Harvey in the DEVON ROOM

    3.05pm

    Tea/Coffee will be served in the WARWICK ROOM

    3.15pm

    Plenary Session including an Introduction to the new GCE Media Specification/Diplomas

    Friday 9 March 2007

    Welcome ...

    ... to the 2007 OCR Media Studies conference blog. You will find:
    • information on events and speakers
    • video presentations and photos of the day
    • links to websites of individuals and institutions
    • additional material for downloading