A-LEVEL

Film Studies explores the dominant art form of the 20th Century. Jean-Luc Godard said, ‘Film is life 24 frames per second.’ We study that. You have an opportunity to develop a detailed knowledge and appreciation of how film makes meaning and generates responses. The course allows you to experience aspects of practical film making, including cinematography, editing and sound design, whilst encouraging appreciation of Hollywood cinema, silent film, experimental cinema, and key historical movements.

Subject requirements:
Minimum GCSE of 5 in English Literature.

Teacher contact: Mr I Culley-Morgan
English/Media Studies Area Coordinator - Miss R Jermy 

Course Content

Film Studies provides you with the opportunity to develop your appreciation of the cinematic art form. You will study independent and mainstream films from America, Britain and Europe, including topics on Hollywood 1930 – 1990, American film since 2005 and British film since 1995. You will also study global cinema, documentary, experimental film, and silent cinema. There will be opportunities for you to explore filmmaking and screenwriting, with an emphasis on how films are designed, shot and edited. Component 1 (Exam is 35% of the qualification). Section A consists of a comparison of Classical and New Hollywood, including films such as 'Some like it Hot' and 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Section B is a study US Independent & mainstream film, with a focus on films such as 'Joker' and 'Get Out'. Section C explores British Cinema since 1990, and includes a study of narrative and ideology within 'This is England' and 'We Need to Talk about Kevin'. In Year 13, Component 2 explores a range of films from around the world, as well as silent cinema, experimental cinema and documentaries. Coursework (30% of the qualification) provides opportunities for short-filmmaking or scriptwriting and evaluative analysis.

Assessment Criteria

70% of the course is examination assessed and 30% is coursework

Exam Board: WJEC/Eduqas

Are you interested in:

• Film?
• Documentaries?
• Cinematography?
• Editing?
• Sound design?

Leading to a career in:

• Film
• Radio
• Television
• Journalism
• Teaching

This subject goes well with:

• English Literature
• English Language
• Photography

Click below to learn about the course from Film Studies student, Mia.