Why should I study Film Studies?

Film Studies provides you with the opportunity to develop your analytical, evaluative and written skills, by exploring films that range from the culturally significant artefact to the populist box office smash. Critical autonomy will be developed, and students will have the opportunity to develop some creativity in their coursework unit.

What will I study?

AS Units

Unit 1: Internal Assessment [40%]

Analysis of a film extract - 1500 words: A02 (30 marks)
Candidates are required to explore how one or more of mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing, and sound construct meaning and provoke response in a film extract.

Creative Project: (50 marks)
Film Sequence or short film (extended step outline, storyboard or film), and
reflective analysis.

Unit 2: Examination – 2½hours [60%]

Section A: Producers and Audiences
Section B: British Film Topics
Section C: US Cinema Comparative Study

A2 Units

Unit 3: Internal Assessment [50%]

Small-Scale Research Project (40 marks)
Creative Project: (60 marks)

Unit 4: Examination – 2¾hours [50%]

Section A: World Cinema
Section B: Spectatorship Topics
Section C: Single Film – Close Critical Study
Different films should be used as the basis for answers in all three sections.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements, plus GCSE English Language grade C. GCSE English Literature grade C would also be an advantage.

What skills do I need?

• An ability to write fluently, accurately and coherently
• An enthusiasm for cinema that goes beyond the usual mass-market movies
• An awareness of the kind of analytical skills used in English.

How will I be taught?

The subject is taught by either one or two teachers, using a wide variety of methods. These include small group work, whole class discussion, independent study and supportive one-to-one feedback from your teacher. Resources for the subject will be available via the college’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.

How is the course assessed?

At AS, 40% of the marks go on the coursework, and 60% on the examination. At A2, 50% of the marks go on the coursework, and 50% on the examination.

AS
Unit 1: Internal Assessment [40%]
Unit 2: Examination – 2½ hours [60%]

A2
Unit 3: Internal Assessment [50%]
Unit 4: Examination – 2¾ hours [50%]

What will the course prepare me for?

Film Studies will teach you how to analyse cultural texts, and how to summarise complex information in your own words. As such, it is a good preparation for arts and humanities degree courses, and will provide a good basis for jobs in a wide variety of areas from the civil service, the media, education, local government, personnel and human resources management to public relations.

Private Study

As an approximate guideline, AS subjects require 3-4 hours of independent study each; A2 subjects require 4-5 hours.

What materials will I need to purchase?

Your own pens, paper and folders.

Examining Board

WJEC

Film Studies is for you if

You enjoy analysing and writing weekly essays about cinematography, narrative and the creation of meaning in film.

Film Studies is not for you if

You don't like tackling new concepts, writing essays or watching foreign or black and white films.