Film Studies

Studying Film at A-level will enable you to look at the world around you and the texts that you see in a critical and analytical manner. Working through the ‘what’ into the ‘why’ of creative choices made in films to evaluate the film-makers decisions and reasoning. This knowledge will then be used creatively through your own film-making decisions.

Film is a growing discipline with many A-Levels linking well into the analytical and evaluative: as well as the creative elements of the course.

Aims

• Develop knowledge of film making technique through analysis of key texts.
• Recognise the links between key elements of technique and film contexts to evaluate: representation, theme, messages and values and overall aesthetics of the piece.
• Implement the skills of analysis through the creation of your own NEA assessment.

Exam board:   WJEC
Syllabus title: WJEC Eduqas GCE A Level in Film Studies
Course code:   603/1147/2

Course content

External assessment -70%

Component one: Varieties of film and film making.
Studying a range of English language films from US and UK.
Films currently studied: Do the Right Thing (Lee 1989); Vertigo (Hitchcock, 1958); No Country for Old Men (Coen Brothers, 2007); Beasts of the Southern Wild (Zeitlin, 2012); Trainspotting (Boyle, UK, 1996); This is England (Meadows, UK, 2012).

Component two: Global film making perspectives
A study of narrative, short and documentary films from around the world. 

Films currently studied: City of God (Meirelles, Brazil, 2004); Mustang (Erguven, Turkey/France, 2015) Vivre sa Vie (Godard, France, 1962); Amy (Kapadia, UK, 2015); and Sunrise (Murnau, US, 1927)

Internal Assessment - 30%

Component three: Production
Creation of a short film or screenplay of a short film. Practical assessment and evaluation

Assessment and weighting

External assessment - 70%. Internal assessment - 30%

Trips/visits

British Film Institute A Level study days. Visits to local independent and mainstream cinemas.

Future opportunities/ career

The studying of film could lead to possible careers within the industry, such as film production, editing and distribution. It can also lead to careers including digital marketing, social media, video games design, set/production design.

Film studies is also a subject that goes well with any other essay-based subject that uses analytical skills and is looked upon well by university courses that involve close analysis and essay writing techniques

The study of film can be continued at degree level as full or joint honours: and several local universities offer film and media courses.

Qualifications/ School record

Required

• 5 grade in English or grade B or above in Film Studies GCSE.
• 95% attendance in Year 11
• Good attitude to learning in English KS4 (and Film Studies GCSE if applicable) 

Desirable

• B or above in Film Studies GCSE

Attitude/Qualities

• Hardworking
• Committed
• Positive/Enthusiastic
• Enquiring
• Analytical
• Enjoy watching a range of films

Skills

Required:

• Creative
• Organised and able to meet deadlines
• Competent at essay writing
• Retention of graphic information
• An interest in social and cultural contexts

Desirable:

• Practical ability with camera technology
• Self-motivated
• Confident sharing views and opinions

Experience

Required:

• Have a wide knowledge of and enjoy watching a wide range of films

Desired

• Creative writing/ Blogging about films
• Experience with camera, video and editing software.

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