Film Studies

An exciting opportunity to be part of the first cohort of Film Studies students at our Sixth Form. This new and innovative course will allow you to explore a wide range of film genres, history and styles, taking a wide view of the history and genre of film and an in-depth focus on the craft of film making with the opportunity to create work of your own as part of the course.

Component 1 – Varieties of film and filmmaking Written examination: 2½ hours 35% of qualification This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films. 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 (twofilm 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 questionfrom 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)

This specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE, particularly literacy and Information Technology skills. Some learners may already have gained knowledge, understanding and skills through their study of film in Media Studies, however, this is not a requirement for undertaking the A-level.