FILM STUDIES
(A Level)
What is Film Studies A level?
Film Studies is an exciting, rich and diverse course that delves into the art of films. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of film styles and genres, reflecting different social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts. The range of films runs from the silent era, through the classical Hollywood period and to the modern day whilst traversing different countries in the global and British cinema units. As well as analysing film students have the opportunity to write a screenplay or shoot their own film in the coursework unit. If you have a passion for film, there is no better subject for you.
Exam Board: WJEC/Eduqas
What will I learn?
You will study films in each of the following units: Modern American Cinema, Documentary, British Film, Classical and New Hollywood, Global Film, Silent Film and Experimental film
How to analyse a film through the core components of: cinematography, representation, aesthetics, mise en scene, sound, performance, editing and contexts
Coursework - Creating a screenplay with supporting documents OR shooting and editing a short film from an exam board prompt.
How will I be assessed?
2 exams - 70% of final grade
30% coursework
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in English Language and Literature. Grade 6 in Film Studies, if studied.
Where can Film Studies A level take me?
Film Studies is an academic A-Level that holds weight at the very best universities in the world. You can study Film at Undergraduate level at Russell Group universities such as King’s College London and St. Andrews as well as at Masters level at Oxbridge. It is understandable for students and parents to be concerned with employment in the future but studying Film at A-Level could lead you into an industry where Britain can genuinely claim to be world class.
Further reading and watching
Read
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind, Film Art: An Introduction (10th edition) by Bordwell and Thompson.
Watch
Citizen Kane, La Haine, Psycho, Get Out, Moonlight, Amy, Taxi Driver, American Honey, Beau Travail, Man With A Movie Camera, Parasite, Casablanca, Singin’ In The Rain.