Clarification details
Updated December 2021. This document has been updated to address issues that have arisen from moderation.
Focus of the standard
For Achieved, students are required to go beyond identifying and describing a media development. Students should provide reasons for why and/or how the development has occurred.
This explanation should only encompass relevant historical details, rather than providing an entire history of the events, advances or technology leading to the development. A focused explanation of causes rather than an historical chronology provides a better foundation for the analysis and evaluation required for Merit and Excellence.
Forming a hypothesis or research question may enable students to better explore the impact or effect of the development, positioning them to evaluate and draw conclusions at Excellence. At Excellence, evaluating the wider impact of the significant development may include a considered discussion of the current or future issues, benefits, effects and/or consequences on the media or society.
Significant development
Students need to choose a significant development in the media. This means a development with a wide scope and national, international or global significance, rather than a minor or localised development. For example, a singular focus on a new version of a video-on-demand or music streaming service may not provide sufficient scope to demonstrate in-depth and perceptive understanding of an innovation that has affected the media or wider society.
Students should ensure that they explain, analyse and evaluate a significant development, rather than discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a media issue.
Using Evidence
The integration of research, viewpoints or case studies will support the development of a response that demonstrates the level of understanding required at level 8 of the curriculum. Selecting a broad range of sources that explore multiple viewpoints may enable an in-depth or perceptive exploration of the causes, impact or significance of the development.
Responses and viewpoints should be supported with evidence selected from a range of sources. A supporting bibliography or other form of referencing can be included.
Exclusion of exemplar material
Students should be careful to avoid repeating material found in the NZQA exemplars. For example, while students may still explore the development of ‘music streaming services’, they may need to find other sources of evidence, or develop a different line of discussion to that presented in the exemplars online.