Component 3 - Personal Investigation

As the course progresses, this page will fill with hints and tips on how to score the most out of the assessment. Be sure to check the exemplar page for links to examples.

Supporting Studies (including written commentary)

This is the A Level component and is a substantial piece of independent research. The supporting studies will demonstrate the research, insight, exploration, informed development and critical understanding which have been part of the personal investigation. The supporting studies should be accompanied by a critical written commentary of 1000–1500 words of continuous prose presented in a format that is related to the final practical outcome. Some candidates might choose to submit this as a supporting document, while others might use the word count thread throughout the entire project. The written commentary should clarify working and creative processes. It can also include images and screenshots of work as it progressed. 

Candidates must include footnotes and a bibliography or references section; these and any quotations will not count towards the final word count.

Areas of the work which have been informed by contributions of others should be identified clearly.

Level Up Your Critical Evaluation!

Thehe critical evaluation is your chance to reflect on your journey and explain all the things you've learned and how it has impacted your journey. Many pupils find it easier to write this evaluation throughout their supporting evidence portfolio, linking it logically to the different aspects.

If you choose to embed this within your work, find a way of differentiating the evaluation from any other text you want to use. Given the constraints, the examiner may judge the quality of your evaluation based on other text that doesn't meet the criteria. This has been done before by using a different font, font size or even colour. It's your work, be creative but make it obvious. 

Why is this important?

• Show what you know: This is your opportunity to prove you really understand digital media. Talk about the ideas and techniques you've used and how they connect to your project.

• Explain your creative genius: Tell us why you made the choices you did. What inspired you? How did your ideas evolve? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

• Level up your skills: By reflecting on your work, you'll become a better digital media creator. You'll learn from your experiences and be even more amazing on your next project!

What should you include?

• Project Rundown: Give us the lowdown on your project – what it's all about, what you wanted to achieve, and who you made it for.

• Inspiration: Talk about the awesome artists, designers, and media products that got your creative juices flowing. How did they influence your work?

• Behind the Scenes: Take us behind the scenes of your project! Explain your planning process, how you experimented with different ideas, and how your project took shape.

• Tech Talk: Show off your tech skills! Tell us about the software, techniques, and equipment you used to bring your project to life.

• Problem Solver: Everyone faces challenges. Talk about the obstacles you encountered (constraints) and how you creatively solved them.

• The Final Cut: What do you think of your finished product? Be honest! What are its strengths? What could be improved?

Make it great!

• Plan it out: Don't leave it until the last minute! Start thinking about your evaluation early on and keep track of your ideas as you go.

• Keep a Journal: Document your journey! Take notes, screenshots, and photos of your work in progress. This will help you remember all the cool stuff you did.

• Get Feedback: Ask your teachers, peers, and family for feedback on your evaluation. Fresh eyes can spot things you might have missed.

• Proofread like a Pro: Before you submit your evaluation, thoroughly proofread it. Typos and grammar mistakes can be sneaky! Your teacher can help you proofread it, but it is not their job to do this for you.

This critical evaluation is your chance to shine! Take your time, be thoughtful, and the examiner your best.

Component 3 suggested timeline is below. The timeline is a high-level example of a pupil timeline for Component 3. Individuals pupils will need to develop a more detailed version for their specific project, which builds on the principles below through their chosen medium. 

This should provide sufficient time for slippages, and for completing any resits of Components 1 and 2. The final deadline, as for all coursework, is 30 April. The internal deadline is the 1 April, so that there is time for review and to work on teacher suggestions over Easter.

CAIE's key headline for Component 3 is "The aim of the Personal Investigation is for candidates to engage in a self-directed period of sustained and focused study.". You must be in control of your journey as the decisions you make, the planning and management of your time will contribute to your mark.

Skeleton plan 1:

Timeline Template for Component 3 Personal Investigation

Week 1-2: Initial Planning and Proposal

• Task: Identify a topic or theme of interest.

• Milestones:

• • Brainstorm potential topics.

• • Conduct preliminary research to refine the topic.

• • Write a statement of intent in the outline proposal form.

• • Submit the proposal for teacher feedback.

Week 3-4: Research and Contextual Understanding

• Task: Conduct in-depth research.

• Milestones:

• • Gather information from various sources (books, articles, online resources).

• • Document all sources and create a bibliography.

• • Make lots of visits to exhibitions, galleries, or anywhere else that can provide inspiration

• • Analyse and summarise key findings.

• • Identify relevant artists, designers, or movements.

Week 5-6: Developing Ideas and Concepts

• Task: Develop initial ideas and concepts.

• Milestones:

• • Create sketches, mind maps, or concept boards.

• • Experiment with different media and techniques.

• • Reflect on feedback and refine ideas.

• • Start a visual diary or journal to document progress.

Week 7-8: Experimentation and Exploration

• Task: Explore and experiment with materials and techniques.

• Milestones:

• • Conduct practical experiments with chosen media.

• • Document the process with photographs, notes, and reflections.

• • Evaluate the success of different techniques.

• • Refine and develop the most promising ideas.

Week 9-10: Mid-Project Review

• Task: Review progress and refine the project direction.

• Milestones:

• • Present work-in-progress to peers and teachers for feedback.

• • Reflect on feedback and make necessary adjustments.

• • Update the project plan and timeline if needed.

• • Ensure all documentation is up-to-date.

Week 11-12: Final Development

• Task: Develop the final practical outcome.

• Milestones:

• • Create detailed plans for the final piece.

• • Begin creating the final practical outcome.

• • Document the creation process thoroughly.

• • Continue to seek feedback and make refinements.

Week 13-14: Supporting Studies and Written Commentary

• Task: Complete supporting studies and written commentary.

• Milestones:

• • Compile all supporting studies (sketches, experiments, research).

• • Write the 1000-1500 word commentary if this is not already within your supporting evidence. This must be continuous prose.

• • Ensure the commentary includes critical reflection and analysis.

• • Proofread and edit the commentary for clarity and coherence.

Week 15-16: Final Review and Submission Preparation

• Task: Finalise and prepare for submission.

• Milestones:

• • Conduct a final review of all work.

• • Make any last-minute adjustments or improvements.

• • Ensure all components (practical outcome, supporting studies with commentary) are complete.

• • Prepare digital files for submission according to guidelines.

Week 17: Submission

• Task: Submit the completed project.

• Milestones:

• • Double-check that all submission requirements are met.

• • Submit the project digitally by the deadline.

• • Reflect on the project journey and document any final thoughts.

Tips for Success

• Stay Organised: Keep a detailed planner or digital calendar to track progress.

• Seek Feedback: Regularly consult with teachers and peers for constructive feedback.

• Document Everything: Maintain thorough documentation of your process, including failures and successes.

Reflect Often: Please make sure to reflect on your work to identify areas for improvement.

Skeleton Plan 2

This plan groups into six phases, than weekly breakdown, but using the same format. Your own plan would need to have each section broken down into detailed steps that you have identified you need to complete within your individual project.

Component 3 Personal Investigation – Skeleton Project Plan

Phase 1: Project Proposal and Initial Research (September - October)

• Select a topic or theme of your choice within one of the areas of study (digital photography, moving image, or games design and mobile/multimedia applications).

• Develop a project proposal or statement of intent that outlines:

  • Project title and focus

  • Brief, context, or scenario

  • Target audience or client

  • How the assessment objectives will be met

  • Technical skills and resources required

  • Plan for reviewing and evaluating ideas

• Conduct initial research on your chosen topic, exploring various perspectives and gathering inspiration.

Phase 2: Idea Development and Experimentation (October - November)

• Generate multiple ideas in response to your project proposal, exploring different creative approaches.

• Experiment with a range of media, materials, and techniques to discover the most effective way to communicate your ideas.

• Document your experiments and the rationale behind your choices.

• Refine your ideas based on experimentation and feedback.

Phase 3: Production Planning and Preparation (November - December)

• Develop a detailed production plan, including:

  • Visuals: sketches, storyboards, mockups, or prototypes.

  • Technical specifications: software, hardware, and materials.

  • Timeline: allocate time for each stage of production.

• Gather all necessary resources and prepare your workspace for the production phase.

Phase 4: Production and Refinement (January - February)

• Execute your production plan, creating your final outcome.

• Focus on realising your creative vision and demonstrating your technical skills.

• Continuously review and refine your work based on feedback and self-evaluation.

Phase 5: Supporting Studies and Written Analysis (February - March)

• Organise and present your supporting studies in a clear and concise manner.

  • Include research, experiments, development work, and any other relevant material.

• Write a critical commentary of 1000-1500 words that:

  • Clarifies your creative process and decisions.

  • Connects your research, exploration, and production work.

  • Evaluates your final outcome and its effectiveness.

• The 1000-1500 words should be integral to your supporting evidence

• Ensure your supporting studies and written analysis meet all assessment criteria.

Phase 6: Final Review and Submission (March - April)

• Review your entire project, including the final outcome, supporting studies, and written analysis.

• Refine and finalise all elements to ensure they are presented in the best possible light.

• Submit your digital portfolio by the submission deadline (1 April).

Important Considerations (as with the other suggested plan):

• Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each phase, considering potential delays or challenges.

• Originality: Ensure your work is original and reflects your creative vision.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate a good understanding of the technical aspects of your chosen area of study.

• Documentation: Meticulously document your research, creative process, and decisions throughout the process.

• Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers and peers during the preparation period to refine your ideas and production plan.

This skeleton plan provides a basic framework for completing Component 3. You must adapt it to fit the specific needs of your individual project and the chosen area of study.

Example Plan

This outlines a sample project outline by Student X. This isn't comprehensive and may greatly differ from your own, given your individual circumstances and project intentions. 

Component 3 Personal Investigation – Moving Image

Project Title: The Spirit of the Game

Area of Study: Moving Image

Project Proposal:

To create a five-minute documentary film that captures the energy and achievements of a local youth football team at the start of their season. Using interviews, live-action filming, and potentially some historical footage, I will explore the team's formation, development, and the energy they bring to the game. My aim is to create a motivational, positively focused biographical documentary in the style of Undefeated or Survive and Advance.

Working with this plan and Mr Minett, I will maintain a weekly plan of tasks which I will write into OneNote (or other medium agreed by sir) as well as updating timeline based on setbacks, etc.

Phase 1: Project Proposal and Initial Research (September - October)

Throughout this period, I hope to use the work of others to articulate what works well with my chosen intentions, but also what areas to avoid. This will help me gain a real insight into how I can create something new and innovative with my documentary.

• September 5th: Finalise project proposal and get it approved by teacher.

• September 10th: Begin researching documentaries like Undefeated and Survive and Advance, analysing their filming styles, editing techniques, and use of interviews.

• September 14th: Look at some of the literature produced by Mill Hill School, for their sports. Magazine articles, social media posts and photography. I will use these to enrich my research and broaden my understanding of the genre.

• September 20th: Contact local youth football team coach to discuss project and arrange for filming permissions and player interviews.

• September 26th: Investigate the work of cinematographers and editors who specialise in sports and documentary filmmaking. Broadening my reach will enable me to understanding of how documentaries can pace the story while keeping it informative. Directors I found in my initial research were:

  • Anthony Mantle (Sumdog millionaire)

  • Charlotte Christensen whose filmography includes A Quiet Place, but also her ceiematography (The Hunt for the Wilderpeople) which features dynamic and captivating outdoor sequences.

  • Janus Kaminski, who has worked with Spielberg but also in shooting Ali.

  • Pietro Scalia is acclaimed for his editing style of incorporating dynamic tension, which I feel will help bring the audience along on the team’s journey.

• October 1st: I will visit the National Football Museum and look at memorabilia, photography and sculptures to extend my look into various forms of media and gain further inspiration. I will take various photos and review them meaning, etc. In addition, I will run a focus group and get opinions from the audience as to the sentimentality and meaning of various aspects of football, ensuring I can focus on pertinent and meaningful areas.

• October 5th: Research the history of the football team and gather any relevant archival footage or photos.

• October 10th: Interview the coach about the team's goals, challenges, and expectations for the season.

Phase 2: Idea Development and Experimentation (October - November)

• October 15th: Develop a shot list for capturing the energy and excitement of football practices and games. Experiment with different camera angles and movement techniques.

• October 17th: I will explore advanced editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro with sample footage I have filmed of the team, investigating colour grading, motion graphics and visual effects. I will conduct some initial feedback from my peers.

• October 20th: Conduct test interviews with a few players, experimenting with different question formats and filming setups.

• October 22nd: Experiment with various camera techniques, such as slow motion, time-lapse, and aerial shots, to add visual interest to the documentary. I will use the test footage I filmed earlier. This will also inform my future filming if I need to change camera settings, etc., to achieve a realistic effect should I want to proceed with developing these ideas further.

• October 25th: Review test footage and refine filming and interview techniques based on feedback from teachers and peers.

• October 30th: I will experiment with different sound design approaches, including the use of music, sound effects and ambient audio. I will get feedback from peers and Mr Minett as to the effectiveness before further deepening my technical exploration.

• November 5th: Experiment with different editing styles in Adobe Premiere Pro to determine the best way to tell the team's story.

• November 10th: Explore sound design options in Adobe Audition, considering the use of music and sound effects to enhance the emotional impact of the documentary.

Phase 3: Production Planning and Preparation (November - December)

• November 15th: Create a detailed storyboard for the documentary, outlining the sequence of scenes, interview segments, and any archival footage. I will deepen this with specific camera angles, transitions, shot compositions, etc.

• November 20th: Finalise the filming schedule with the football team, including practices, games, and any additional interview sessions. By this stage, I will have determined who to interview to give the documentary the necessary impact with my audience and who was most comfortable in front of the camera.

• November 25th: Prepare interview questions for players, fans, and other relevant individuals.

• December 5th: Gather and organise all necessary equipment, including cameras, microphones, and lighting.

• December 7th: Create a comprehensive production schedule that accounts for potential weather delays or scheduling conflicts with the team.

• December 10th: Conduct final location checks and make any necessary arrangements for filming permissions, GDPR or special access for away matches, etc.

Phase 4: Production and Refinement (January - February)

• January 5th - February 20th: Film football practices and games according to the schedule, capturing the energy and emotion of the team.

• January 10th - February 25th: Conduct interviews with players, fans, and coaches, focusing on their experiences and perspectives.

• February 5th - March 5th: Review and organise footage, selecting the best shots and interview segments for the final documentary.

• February 10th - March 10th: Begin initial editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, assembling the scenes and interview segments according to the storyboard.

• February 20th - March 15th: Refine the edit, focusing on pacing, transitions, and the overall flow of the documentary.

• February 25th: Seek feedback from a wider audience, including film students, teachers, and professionals in the field.

• I Conduct more formal screenings of the documentary at various stages of production to gather constructive criticism throughout this stage using the feedback to refine the documentary's narrative, pacing, and overall impact beyond that of my target audience.

Phase 5: Supporting Studies and Written Analysis (February - March)

• February 25th: Organise and present research, experiments, storyboards, and other supporting studies in a clear and concise digital format.

• March 5th: Begin writing the critical commentary, analysing the creative process, technical choices, and the development of the documentary.

• March 10th: Complete the first draft of the written analysis and get feedback from the teacher.

• March 15th: Revise and finalise the written analysis, ensuring it meets the word count and assessment criteria.

Phase 6: Final Review and Submission (March - April)

• March 20th: Review the entire project, including the final documentary, supporting studies, and written analysis.

• March 25th: Make any necessary refinements to the edit, sound design, or supporting studies.

• March 30th: Export the final documentary in the required format and ensure all project files are properly organised.

• April 1st – 20th: I will use the Easter break to make final changes suggested by my teacher.

• April 25th: Submit the digital portfolio, including the final documentary, supporting studies, and written analysis, by the deadline.

Important Considerations:

• Throughout the project, I will maintain detailed records of my research, experiments, and creative decisions. I will update my project timeline, with weekly meetings with Mr Minett, to add and modify weekly tasks.

• I will actively seek feedback from Mr Minett and peers to refine my ideas and improve my work.

• I will ensure my final documentary and supporting studies are original and reflect my creative vision.

• I will demonstrate a good understanding of the technical aspects of moving image production and editing.

• I will maintain a bibliography and references section (if needed) with footnotes linking to sources. I will ensure I catalogue all material gathered (both by me and others) noting camera settings, sources, location, subjects, date, etc.

Example Outline Proposals (Comp 3)

In addition to the exemplar in the files above, the specification also gives three examples based on the subject area of study

Sample Outline Proposal for Component 3: Digital photography

To create a photo-documentary exploring the changing dynamics of family relationships. For this personal investigation I plan to research contemporary portrait photography, looking at David Hockney and other social photographers such as Jeff Wall and Gregory Crewdson and I will compare how they capture feelings such as intimacy or suspense in their work. This will be presented in the form of an illustrated essay and I will explore some of the same techniques the artists have used, in my own digital photographs.

My research will include comparing and contrasting the different ways the artists have captured visual language in their images. I would like to explore the relationships between people and how they relate to each other, and how this can be demonstrated visually. I am also interested in being able to add dynamism and suspense, so I will be exploring using location shoots at home and then re-creating them in the studio using models, lighting and props to create a different context for the image.

Based on documenting my family over a year, I will produce a series of 10 digital images based on family life. I will use post-production methods to edit and manipulate the images to build up layers and add depth. I plan to do this using software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. I am going to try a range of different format cameras to see which is the most effective in capturing the depth and level of detail that I would like to record.

Sample Outline Proposal for Component 3: Moving image

To create a five-minute documentary film to capture the energy and achievements of team sports. Using interviews, live-action filming, research and historical footage, I will explore the formation, development and energy of a football team at the start of the season. The aim will be to demonstrate the motivational, positively focused biographical documentary in the style of Undefeated (the Academy Award Nominee documentary, Manassas Tigers story) or Survive and Advance (the underdog story of North Carolina State University). My storyboard will include episode/section breaks, location research, characters in focus and briefings required, shot lists/types of shots (angles, durations), potential interview scripts, the calendar of events (training, meet-ups and games), and the timeframe required for selecting, editing and manipulating video sequences from my footage.

Apart from interviews with the players, fans, coach and other related people, lighting, sound booms and filters will be minimal and provide the look and feel of being in-situ. I will use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit my footage and Adobe Audition or Audacity for sound editing (for audio overlays or soundbites). For the introductory credits, section breaks and closing credits I will use After Effects.

While the film may cover up to a six month period of one season of the team’s existence, the final product will be less than five minutes in duration. I aim to capture the energy, emotion and passion through the filmed footage of the players and the fans and will edit the film to capture the pace and drama of a football game.

Sample Outline Proposal for Component 3: Mobile and multimedia applications

To create a mobile game application that will help students focus during revision. I am going to develop a game that helps students maintain their focus during periods of revision and exam preparation. My game will be on a timer that encourages the user to take a short break from their revision every twenty minutes and perform some form of mindfulness activity, a physical activity or a brain teaser. Colours and sounds can help students to make cognitive links to what they have been revising and improve their memory recall. Using the UDK (Unreal Development Kit) or Unity 3D (Unity Game Engine). I will create a single player game that is fun and instantly rewarding for the user.

I will research the most popular revision or memory improvement game apps and also explore effective ways of revising and improving memory in order to include this in my game. As part of the process, I will design the core features in a portfolio of concept artwork and screen designs of the gameplay, environment and characters. For my final submission I will show the screen shots and a short fly-through tutorial of what my finished app will look like