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Level 3
Film Studies A-level
COURSE OVERVIEW
Film Studies gives students an opportunity to combine creative work with a mostly academic exploration of a broad range of films, from contemporary American film to experimental techniques and global cinema. You will analyse and compare films using established critical approaches and evaluate the significance of film movements and theories. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of film form to the production of your own short film or screenplay. You will develop the skills necessary for preparation for a wide range of degree subjects and career choices.
The course is assessed through a combination of essay-based exams (70% of grade) and Non-Examined Assessment (NEA – 30%). The two exams (Components 1 and 2) are each worth 35% of the overall grade. The sections of each are as follows:
- Component 1 – ‘Hollywood 1930-1990’; ‘American Film Since 2005’; and ‘British Film since 1995.’ Each section will contain two case study films for close analysis.
- Component 2 – ‘Global Film’; ‘Documentary Film’; ‘Silent Film’; and ‘Experimental Film’. The Global Film section contains two case study films. The other three sections have one case study film each.
* Full screenings and film extracts are used to illustrate all aspects of the course. If you have any questions about which case studies we focus on, please contact the college directly.
Component 3 is the NEA and is worth the final 30% of the overall grade. In this component you will study the short film medium, how it works, and then produce your own. This can either be a short film of 4-5 minutes in length, or a screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) accompanied with a digitally photographed storyboard. These pieces are accompanied by an Evaluative Analysis essay of 1600-1800 words.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need to have a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including a grade 4 in English Language and Maths. It is essential that you have a love of film and cinema: We study film, not television or print. You need to be prepared to study a wide range of films. You do not need to have existing film-making skills or knowledge of film: Be prepared to be challenged, you will see and think about film in a different way.
This is a subject that complements a diverse range of other subjects, or can broaden an interest in Media and the Arts. A qualification in Film Studies can demonstrate knowledge of film as a creative and technical product. It also demonstrates the ability to analyse and evaluate cultural products from specific social, historical and political contexts. Many students go on to study film, media or cultural studies or to study film as part of a combined degree at university. Career opportunities exist in the film industry, teaching, and any jobs that require thoughtful, adaptable and skilled people. Film Studies A Level can also accompany many other subjects and can form part of an application to a huge range of university courses and career paths.
Coursework units are internally marked, with reference to the set assessment objectives, and externally moderated. Exams are externally marked.
No additional costs or equipment required. The Media & Film department lends out all necessary practical equipment. However, if you have access to your own digital SLR camera, this would benefit practical work.
You will need to develop the ability to be enquiring and analytical when studying film and to develop the skills to examine personal and critical responses to texts.