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What is Film Studies?Film Studies involves studying 12 different films. They are separated into set categories: American, British, Independent, Global, Documentary, Experimental and Silent Film. They are analysed via a number of different study area frameworks, including film form, meaning and response, context, spectatorship, narrative, ideology, authorship, critical debates and theoretical debates.

You work with your peers to debate and pull apart the set film texts and to develop a sophisticated contextual understanding of the world at the time these films were made. Film Studies requires that you develop an inquisitive mind and consider the deeper social, political and economic contexts of those films.

You also explore the work of a wide range of influential film directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers. Film Studies A level also takes in the forefathers of cinema by evaluating the impact of key pioneers on the film industry including The Lumiere Brothers, DW Griffiths, Charlie Chaplin, and Sergei Eisenstein.

Why students choose this courseFilm Studies is an engaging, interesting and enjoyable subject which allows students to further their interest and appreciation in film; if you have a passion and curiosity for cinema and film and a potential passion to work in the industry then this subject is for you.

The course is academic in its nature but creative in its construction and resources; students engage with and study a wide range of historic and culturally rich film texts and then analyse them critically, thoughtfully and creatively.

What the course coversStudents will engage with films from different eras and different countries to analyse and focus on the development of film and the culturally significant events which may have influenced the film itself.

The topics covered include comparing films from classical Hollywood and New Hollywood, looking at modern mainstream films and modern independent films and studying modern British films.

We will also study films from Europe and outside Europe, documentary films, experimental films and film movements. Students will be expected to watch films outside of their comfort zone and develop an appreciation for different styles.

Students are also able to create their own film using the techniques they learn throughout the course and put them into practice.

Films we will study include: Vertigo, Apocalypse Now, Inception, Boyhood, Shaun of the Dead, Pan’s Labyrinth, City of God, The Arbor, Sunrise and Pulp Fiction – these films could change.

Further information can be found on the examination board’s website: www.eduqas.co.uk

A LEVEL FILM STUDIES

D I X O N S S I X T H F O R M A C A D E M Y | D O U G L A S M I L L | B O W L I N G O L D L A N EB R A D F O R D | B D 5 7 J R | W W W . D I X O N S 6 A . C O M

This subject is being offered for the first time in September 2020.

What students can do with this courseFilm Studies is a good gateway into the film industry itself; students could further their interest in the subject by studying Film Production at University. Students could also pursue a career in the Media, the creative arts and journalism amongst other options. It is an accessible and creative course which still requires academic thinking and skills including analysing texts creatively, applying appropriate theories and being critical.

How this course is assessedThe course has two examinations and one piece of non-examined assessment; students can display their ability to analyse film in timed conditions via the exams but also to display their own interests and their creativity through the coursework.

Paper 1 - Varieties of film and filmmaking, 2 hours 30 mins, 35% of the A Level qualification

Paper 2 - Global filmmaking perspectives, 2 hours 30 mins,35% of the A Level qualification

Non-exam assessment - Production, 30% the A Level qualification

Entry requirementsAll our course entry requirements are detailed in the Entry Requirements document located in the admissions section of our website.

Further ReadingWJEC Eduqas Film Studies for A Level & AS Paperback – 17 May 2018 - this text gives further insight into the films and the knowledge needed to study them in detail.