Subject Pages
Film Studies
Film Studies provides students with the opportunity to learn more about one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years.
Students will study how to analyse the micro elements (cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene and performance) which contribute to meaning in narrative as well as the message and values that can be conveyed through the medium. We will look at mainstream American film from the past and the present, as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films. Students will be able to consider a range of responses from the emotional to the technically analytical in their essay writing.
Covering a diverse range of films from several different contexts, the course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting, thus combining strong intellectual skills with creative talent.
Please note that some films studied will carry an 18 certificate. BBFC certification is ‘advisory’ and films classified 18 in a non-commercial educational context, mediated through a teacher, is permitted and accepted by the BBFC as representing exceptional viewing conditions.
Staffing
| Subject Lead |
Mrs J Jeffery |
|
Teachers |
Mr D Dawson |
|
Prefects |
Lily Joe |
A Level
Content
Students will study Core Study Areas for all films in the exam for components 1 & 2:
- The key elements of film form
- Meaning and response
- The contexts of film
The following Specialist Study Areas will be the focus in the exam for components 1 & 2:
- Spectatorship
- Narrative
- Ideology
- Auteur
- Critical Debates
- Filmmakers’ Theories
For component 3 – Coursework - ‘Production’ students will produce either a short film (4–5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600–1800 words) plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay and an evaluative analysis for both options (1600–1800 words)
Assessment, Marking and Feedback
For Components 1 & 2, the following Assessment Objectives apply:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of elements of film
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of elements of film to:
- Analyse and compare films, including through the use of critical approaches
- Evaluate the significance of critical approaches
- Analyse and evaluate own work in relation to other professionally produced work
For Component 3, the following Assessment Objectives apply:
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of elements of film to:
- Analyse and compare films, including through the use of critical approaches
- Evaluate the significance of critical approaches
- Analyse and evaluate own work in relation to other professionally produced work
AO3 Apply knowledge and understanding of elements of film to the production of a film or screenplay
Assessment
Students will be writing essays regularly throughout the course, as well as preparing and delivering presentations and undertaking discussion activities in all lessons. They will have many opportunities to peer mark work and to read and evaluate model responses.
Students will have access to examples of screenplays, as well as short films made by other students, and they will be encouraged to engage with the practical component of the course from the very start.
Feedback
Essays will be returned to students within two weeks. Students are encouraged to actively develop their skills in response to teachers' feedback.
Specification
Click here for the WJEC Eduqas GCE A Level Film Studies
Reach Stars
Exam Support
Advice
An enthusiasm for film and an ability to be open to different experiences and interpretations is essential.
Past papers
Past and Sample exam questions are used routinely to prompt lesson discussion, and are available in the department handbook, as well as on the Eduqas website
Useful external links
Click here to visit the sample assessment materials for Film Studies A Level from the WJEC Eduqas website
Extracurricular
Trips and visits
We hope to visit the British Film Institute, to attend one of their educational courses.
A professional filmmaker will be running a few sessions in school in which he will discuss how sound, cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene, and performance – key micro elements – contribute to the creation of meanings.