Evaluation Of Preliminary Taks 'DMM'

In this task we had to produce a new magazine for the school aimed at the sixth from students, who are between the ages of 16-18. The magazine will feature many different types of articles which will appeal to both male and female readers. As it will be released weekly and only to sixth form students there shall be no purchase cost, this could also be a reflection of student life and how they want to save during these important years. As they attend sixth form they will be currently studying for their As/A levels and also contemplating university places or future careers. Readers of ‘DMM’ will most likely read the magazine when they have what’s called a ‘free period’ where they don’t have a lesson and can spend their time either revising, catching up on homework, listening to music and socialising with friends in the common room. As a Sixth form student myself, I brainstormed all the different features in which I would like to read and my fellow classmates would enjoy. As the magazine will be targeted at both male and female students, it was difficult deciding what sort of features to put on the front cover as I wanted it to appeal to students of both gender. Results from research and planning of the magazine suggested that readers of ‘DMM’ wanted to learn about life after A levels which could include; university places, college applications, help with producing CV’S and the different types of careers that would interest the student. Also with the aid of my student questionnaire, I found that readers want to be entertained as well as advised. This is why I decided to feature stories such as ‘Common Room Cringe’ which can take the student away from the hard work of sixth form and will allow then to have fun and also be entertained.

I feel that there are both positive and negative elements to my magazine front cover. When planning I wanted a magazine that can be accessible to both male and female students, this meant that everything from the colours to the masthead font needed to be considered carefully. I thought that the name ‘DMM’ would be short and to the point, while also not becoming too feminine/masculine. I felt that by featuring stories that both genders will relate to was a challenge, but by identifying their hobbies would allow me to appeal to the readers. My model image is of a student who is sensibly dressed, but still keeps it youthful and current with accessories such as a trendy scarf and earrings. Her demure pose shows that she is ready to learn and work hard yet still maintaining her fun and feisty personality. The negative aspects to the tasks were choosing the features and producing the magazines mission statement as I found it difficult to decide who my target audience is. However I feel deciding to go with both a male and female readership was right as it allowed me to carry out extensive research into what sixth form students would like to read whenever they have a ‘free period’ or purely just for entertainment value. Overall I believe the task was successful as I feel my magazine front cover captures what sixth from students would like to read in their spare time and will appeal to both male and female students. I was very happy with the end result as I feel that it is everything that 16-18 year olds would enjoy reading and would also be an advisor to them through these important couple of years of their academic life.