Course
Film Studies
Exam Board
WJEC
For more information contact Head of Department:
Ms G Higham - ghigham@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
Film is a huge part of our culture and was arguably the major art form of the twentieth century. It continues to develop new modes of expression and exhibition in the first decades of the twenty-first century. Modern technology means rare and classic film is more accessible for study than ever before. The specification allows students to study both film history and theory, and also technical production of short films and scripts. British, American and world cinema is covered through studies in narrative, genre, representation and critical theory. A Level is assessed via 70% exam and 30% written and practical coursework.
What our students say
"It is so interesting to delve deeper into a film and analyse it" "You find so much more enjoyment from a film after studying it"
Course Requirements
English - Grade 4/4
Assessment
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking Written examination: 2Ā½ hours 35% of qualification Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives Written examination: 2Ā½ hours 35% of qualification Component 3: Production Non-exam assessment 30% of qualification
Component 1: American and British film
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films across a range of popular British and American cinema Section A: Hollywood since the 1960s (two-film study) Section B: Contemporary American independent film Section C: British film (comparative study)
Component 2: Varieties of film
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films across a range of world cinema and film styles
Section A: Global film (two-film study) Section B: Documentary film Section C: Film movements - Silent Cinema Section D: Experimental Film
Component 3: Production
This component requires candidates to engage with the creative and technical process of filmmaking. Learners produce either a short film (4 - 5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600 - 1800 words) and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay, plus an evaluative analysis (1250 -1500 words).
This course is academically rigorous and provides a strong foundation for the study of Film Studies (production or theory) or a related area through a range of higher education degree courses, progression to the next level of applied qualifications (eg HND) or direct entry into employment. Students will gain a grounding in technical, research and critical skills.
