Film Studies is a successful, popular and fast growing subject at A Level.
An academic and practical subject, Film Studies allows students to explore film within its creative and political contexts, as well as considering the construction of enjoyment for audiences.
A wide variety of approaches for analysis are adopted, from formal (the study of narrative and genre) through to the personal - the development of your own critical voice.
You will participate in detailed analytical viewing, discussion and personal research.
This course is valuable preparation for university courses in Film, Media, English and English Literature, Politics, Communication, Social Sciences, as well as courses requiring strong analytical skills.
Film studies is a subject which develops knowledge and understanding about the Film industry, both historically and current, and will appeal to those with a passion for the industry, or students wanting to widen their understanding of film.
Courses Offered
A Level Film Studies WJEC Eduqas
Syllabus Breakdown
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking.
Written examination: 2 ½ hours, 35% of qualification
- Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two Hollywood films, one from the Classical Hollywood period (1930-1960) and the other from the New Hollywood period (1961-1990).
- Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film.
- Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two British films
Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
Written examination: 2 ½ hours, 35% of qualification
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films (or their equivalent).
- Section A: Global film (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two global films: one European and one produced outside Europe.
- Section B: Documentary film
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one documentary film.
- Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one silent film or group of films.
- Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one film option.
Component 3: Production
Non-exam assessment, 30% of qualification
This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Learners 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.
- ·an evaluative analysis (1600 - 1800 words).
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Media Language or Film Form #2 Audience #3 Industry #4 Representation
#5 Context #6 Theory #7 Ideology #8 Narrative #9 Genre
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Curriculum Overview
Please click here for a PDF curriculum overview.
Minimum Entry Requirements
All students must meet our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Why Study Film Studies?
Film Studies will interest anyone who not only enjoys cinema-going, but who is curious about how films are put together and how they communicate to their audience, as well as history and politics.
You will explore the social history surrounding a range of films and genres. You will study and appreciate a broad range of both English and non-English language film texts and examine the multitude of different issues facing contemporary film across the globe.
The course provides a sound platform for university study in any discipline.
Wider Opportunities
Film Studies students and Media Studies students have access to a wide array of trip and visits, which help to advance understanding and enrich a student’s experience in the subject. These include links with industry experts, visits to Sky Studios, study days at the British Film Institute, various university taster days, Universal Studios, The Making of Harry Potter, the opportunity to be involved in student produced media activities such as Film Club.What Our Students Say:
‘So far in Film Studies I have enjoyed the analysis of films and I like the independence of being able to choose your own films to build case studies on.’
‘I chose film studies because I’ve looked into film and media career options, as well as apprenticeships at studios like the BBC. Film studies will help me advance in a career in the industry.’
‘It’s a good opportunity to study the film industry and films themselves in depth. I’m really looking forward to producing my own short film.’
What Can I Do Next?
Successful completion of Film Studies could open up opportunities to study a number of university degree programmes, such as English, Sociology, Philosophy, Media and Humanities, as well as Film, Television or Media Studies (Film Studies).
The media and film industry has experienced change over the last few years, as the expansion of digital media over print media has created a need for people with skills in
visual effects and the film industry. Local opportunities include studios such as Elstree, Pinewood, Warner Bros, Cardington Studios and the announcement of Sunset Studios coming soon.
