Film Studies
We offer opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English and English language. The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film from it’s early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience. Production work is a crucial part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film.
Year 12
What are we studying?
See curriculum plan above.
How are we assessed?
Students are assessed at the end of each unit with a essay in exam conditions. They will have four formal assessments over the year, European Film, Global Film, Documentary, Hollywood Cinema and Contemporary Indie Film. They will sit a mock exam at the end of the year based on Components 1 and 2.
Assessment focuses on the students understanding of the key elements of film examining how films create meaning and response.
What can parents do to help?
Parents can support students by encouraging them to watch a wide range of critically acclaimed films covering a wide range of cultures and time periods. Also, to engage students in critical debates after watching a film. Some of our most successful students come from families who watch films together and discuss reactions and explore context by developing the ability to explore and debate. Parents can also support students by helping them to manage their work load by monitoring classcharts. The creation of a production is a difficult task and students would benefit from support with practicalities such as accessing exciting locations, securing props, actors etc.
Where can this subject take you? Career opportunities
When looking at the range of careers within film one might consider how often we see moving images in any given day. Within today’s society there is immense capacity within Film studies for potential careers with many of our students have gone onto say that A level film has been pivotal in opening doors within their careers. The depth of potential employment is so varied from directing, designing, producing, technical and administration roles, and beyond.
Year 13
What are we studying?
See curriculum plan above.
How are we assessed?
Students sit their final assessment at the end of year 13
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking Written examination: 2½ 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: 2½ 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).
What can parents do to help?
Parents can support students by encouraging them to watch a wide range of critically acclaimed films covering a wide range of cultures and time periods. Also to engage students in critical debates after watching a film. Some of our most successful students come from families who watch films together and discuss reactions and explore context by developing the ability to explore and debate. Parents can also support students by helping them to manage their work load by monitoring classcharts. The creation of a production is a difficult task and students would benefit from support with practicalities such as accessing exciting locations, securing props, actors etc.
Where can this subject take you? Career opportunities
When looking at the range of careers within film one might consider how often we see moving images in any given day. Within today’s society there is immense capacity within Film studies for potential careers with many of our students have gone onto say that A level film has been pivotal in opening doors within their careers. The depth of potential employment is so varied from directing, designing, producing, technical and administration roles, and beyond.
