Film Studies

Subject Mission Statement

Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. In our visual and image-based culture, the study of film is relevant perhaps more than ever. We broaden students’ existing knowledge by studying a wide variety of films. Our aim is to promote a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective.  

Overview

A Level Film Studies provides an opportunity to investigate how the culturally significant medium of film works both as a means of representation and as an aesthetic medium. A broad learning experience encompasses a range of films including: mainstream American films past and present; recent and contemporary British films; American Independent films, and Global films. The historical range of film study is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film. This course allows learners the opportunity to consider film within its social, cultural, political, historical, and technological contexts. The production element of the course provides learners with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking or screenwriting process. It would be beneficial for students embarking on this course to have knowledge of, and interest in, both a diverse range of films and the film industry itself.

KS5 Intent Statement

Provide students with the opportunity to explore an academic range of texts and skills that will help with careers and higher study in English and the wider curriculum. Educate students to be able to engage critically with texts on an exploratory and analytical level. Support students in being able to manage time and organisational elements with research, essay writing and extended projects (in particular the non-examination assessment). Inspire students to become adults who are curious about the world and willing to challenge ideas. Promote independent learning in the subject area and beyond. Enable students to become sophisticated and effective communicators. Using the curricula, introduce new concepts; build on prior learning to revisit and improve skills; promote the development of all three literacy strands; explicitly promote stretch and challenge through the years. All this is underpinned with personalised assessment and targeted feedback, aligned with key learning objectives. Inspire and enhance student understanding further by offering extra-curricular opportunities with a focus on extending knowledge and experience, and encouraging personal investigation. Provide personalised advice and guidance to support students’ wider learning and aspirations beyond KS5.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: EDUQAS (WJEC)
Qualification Title: Film Studies
Qualification Specification Code: A670QS
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the EDUQAS (WJEC) webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

·         Varieties of Film and Filmmaking 35%

·         Global Filmmaking Perspectives 35%

·         Production (Film Production or Screenwriting) 30%

Possible Career Paths

Film Studies degree courses, the Art/Design/Culture sector, the Media/Film industry, Journalism, Advertising. This course provides a suitable progression to a range of Higher Education Degree and Vocational Level courses. This specification develops a range of transferable skills including analytical and interpretative skills and the development of confident and independent critical thought. The application of theoretical and critical approaches provides a good grounding for undergraduate study.

Who should I speak to if I need further information?

Mrs A. Illgner & Mrs C. Shephard