Film Studies A Level
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Film Studies A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: WJEC Eduqas
Study Film
This course is designed to introduce you to a wide variety of films in order to broaden your knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. The course therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language. You will learn about the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of your learning experience.
Production work is a crucial part of this course and is integral to learners' study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to your own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to enable you to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker's perspective on your own study of film.
Entry Requirements
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 4 English
Content
Across two years you will complete three components with final public exams in the second year.
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.
Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)
Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)
Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films (or their equivalent).
Section A: Global film (two-film study)
Section B: Documentary film
Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema
Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)
Component 3: Production
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)
Assessment
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
Written examination: 2½ hours 35% of qualification
Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
Written examination: 2½ hours 35% of qualification
Component 3: Production
Non-exam assessment (coursework) 30% of qualification
Progression
“It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take things to.” - Jean-Luc Godard, Director & Film Maker
This WJEC Eduqas course provides a suitable progression to a range of higher education degree and vocational level courses or to employment. For those who do not wish to progress further with Film Studies, this specification also provides a coherent, engaging and culturally valuable course of study.
After A Level Film Studies, many students continue their study of film or moving image production at university. Several past students have been inspired to purse paths as independent filmmakers, or work within the screen industries in a variety of roles. Other former students have used their film knowledge and practical skills to work for community arts and film projects.
Globally the screen industries are rapidly expanding. Britain is a world leader in this field and most of the work across film and television is based in London. The exponential growth in these industries has created skills shortages and therefore great employment opportunities now and in the future.
Student Testimonials
"Film studies is the perfect subject for the seventh art lovers. I really enjoy every class, the teachers are professionals with great aptitudes and they make the lesson so amusing. This has helped me to improve my knowledge about cinema and learn how to apply it to the lessons."
Extra Curricular
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Film Club
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Film and media production workshops
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UAL Insights
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Visits, trips and speakers
Department Staff
Teacher: Dr Ben Dooley - bdo@stcharles.ac.uk