Film Studies

A-Level

Examination Board: WJEC Educas

Specification: 603/1147/2

Course Leader: Dr D Clarke

Contact Email: dclarke@tgschool.net

Are you interested in:

• Film?

• Documentaries?

• Cinematography?

• Editing and sound design?

What Will I Study?

Film Studies explores the dominant art form of the 20th Century. Students have an opportunity to develop a detailed knowledge and appreciation of how film makes meaning and generates responses. The course provides opportunities 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.

This Film Studies course is designed to ignite a passion for film and encourage broader cultural and historical perspectives on this academic area of study. It encourages you to watch, engage critically with and explore a wide range of film; to develop and sustain confident, personal responses to film via textual analysis and to enjoy a variety of critically acclaimed films across the major genres.

You will study a diverse range of film, including Classical and New Hollywood films, such as Alien and Captain Fantastic, film from the Silent Era (Fritz Lang), experimental film (David Lynch) and British films, such as Trainspotting and Shaun of the Dead. You will learn how film and film practice has a significance in national, global and historical contexts, as well as looking at social, cultural, political and technological contexts. You will learn how films use constructs such as narrative, genre, representation, spectatorship and aesthetics to create meaning by deconstructing and then creating a screenplay and short film to apply your learning. This course is perfect compliment to subjects such as English, History, Psychology, and Photography, as well as other Arts and Humanities subjects. Film Studies is the ideal choice if you want that balance between the academic study of films and creative filmmaking practice.

Additional Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language or English Language. You do not need to have previously studied that Film Studies at GCSE to take this course.

Assessment:

70% Examination (2 exams, end of year 13)

30% NEA (coursework)

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through two written papers, each 2 hours 30 minutes, taken in June of your second year and a practical element (NEA coursework).

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes - 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.

Leading to futures in:

The UK hosts a thriving film and production industry, with those who study Film Studies going on to study the subject further or move into employment or apprenticeships in film, radio, television and journalism.

Mr J Kiel (JKI)