What Board do we do? WJEC (Eduqas)
Why should I study A Level Film Studies?
Film Studies is an academic discipline that examines the historical, theoretical and critical approaches to cinema as both an aesthetic art form and as a medium of representation. It develops skills of analysis through the study of the formal elements of film (cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene and performance) and considers how these create and provoke meaning for the spectator. The course also explores the wider social and political contexts surrounding the production of film.
Students will be introduced to a wide variety of films, combining the study of Old and New Hollywood with contemporary/independent American cinema, exploring British Cinema, whilst also engaging with European and Global Cinema. Studies in Documentary, Experimental and Silent Cinema enhance the breadth of the learning experience. The course also includes a practical unit where students make a short film and put their understanding of film language into practice.
Which subjects combine well with Film Studies?
English, Photography, Art and Design, Music, Philosophy, History, Psychology, Politics, Sociology and Drama. Film Studies is a discursive, essay-based subject driven by a combination of critical theory and analysis. Therefore, Film Studies works well when taken alongside other theory-based essay subjects. The practical element of the subject (30% of the final mark) also means that it compliments other practical-based subjects.
What careers and university courses can Film Studies lead to?
Career options within film are diverse and span a range of industries. These include: producing, directing, cinematography, marketing, editing, sound, lighting, screenwriting, broadcasting and journalism, advertising, researching, curating, PR, the arts, academia.
Transferable skills
You will develop analytical, creative and technical skills alongside a range of other highly transferable skills, including: research, time management, critical thinking and project-management.
Assessment
Two written examination papers are taken at the end of the A Level Film Studies course:
Paper 1: 35% of A Level – 3 extended response (essay) questions.
Paper 2: 35% of A Level – 4 extended response (essay) questions.
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)
The A Level is also assessed through a coursework component (30%):
The coursework component gives the option of film making or writing a screenplay.
This practical work will be accompanied by a written evaluation (approx. 1250 words).
Course Content
The A Level Eduqas course consists of the following topics:
1. American Film: Hollywood 1930 — 1990 and American Independent Cinema.
2. European Film: Contemporary British cinema and non-English language European Film.
3. Global Film: Recent cinema from Outside Europe.
4. Film movements: Documentary Film.
5. Film movements: Experimental Film 1960 — 2000.
6. Film movements: Silent Cinema.
7. Non-Examined Assessment (coursework): Practical production.
