Film Studies
Rationale
A critical exploration of a range of cinematic forms rich in analysis. This qualification offers a broad and coherent course of study which allows learners the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film. The content will be assessed across two examination components and one production component. All learners will study a variety of film texts in relation to the core study areas with some film topics requiring the study of additional specialist topic areas including narrative, ideology and spectatorship. In addition, for the coursework component of the programme of study, students will create a Film production, in Screenwriting synoptically drawing on the cinematic influences and insights gained from the range of the films studied throughout the course. This allows learners the freedom to express their own practical interests as potential film-makers whilst utilising their knowledge of deep textual analysis. The structure of the course will provide students with an informed filmmaker's perspective of cinema as an artform.
Overview
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
Term 4 |
Term 5 |
Term 6 |
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Year 12 |
An Introduction to Key Concepts in Film Studies | Core Study of Early Hollywood focusing on auteur theory. Documentary as a art form and explorations of stylistic techniques and narrative forms. | A comparative study of Hollywood cinema through 1930 - 1990 | British Cinema from 1990 - 2020 - comparative study | European Cinema | Screen Writing and Story board NEA preparation and production |
Year 13 |
NEA focus and completion | Mock examinations | Completion of study for core texts | Revision and exam practice | Revision and exam practice | Revision and exam practise |
Post 16
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
Film Studies at the A-Level is a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating subject that combines creativity with critical analysis, offering students a rich exploration of cinema from multiple perspectives. The course delves into a wide range of historical, political, and cultural contexts, offering insights into how films reflect and influence societal ideologies, political climates, and evolving artistic trends. By examining diverse film movements from classic Hollywood to the French New Wave, from mainstream blockbusters to independent cinema, students develop a nuanced understanding of how film has both shaped and been shaped by the world in which it exists.
After studying A-Level Film Studies, students can expect to see the world in a more critical and enriched way. The course encourages them to question the cultural, historical, and political forces behind the films they watch and consider the broader implications of cinema in shaping society. It fosters a deeper appreciation for how film, as a medium, can challenge assumptions, provoke thought, and open conversations about complex issues. As Alejandro González Iñárritu eloquently puts it, “Good directors don’t answer questions with their work. They generate debate and create discussion.” This mindset will empower students to approach the world with curiosity, recognising that the stories we tell are often more about sparking dialogue than providing definitive answers.
Online Resources
Comprehensive resources are provided by the English and Film department, and they can all be found on Google Classroom.
Exam Board
A-level - WJEC