A Level Film Studies engages students in a wide variety of films in order to broaden understanding of film and a wide range of techniques used to communicate to generate spectator responses.

You will learn about film language, and a wide range of techniques used to communicate through film and to generate spectator response. You will also get chance to develop your learning into a short film production project.

Studying Film Studies at GCSE is not required but a genuine interest in film and filmmaking is essential. The areas of film explored in the A Level range from mainstream to global and independent film, including from the early 20th century. This course can be studied alongside any other, but complements History, English Literature and Media Studies particularly well.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
You will study two films within each section across a range of eras, including both mainstream and independent films.

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990
You will compare a Classical Hollywood film (Casablanca – Curtiz, 1942) with a New Hollywood film (Bonnie and Clyde – Penn, 1967).

Section B: American Film since 2005
You will study a mainstream film alongside an independent film: La La Land (Chazelle, 2016) and Captain Fantastic (Ross, 2016).

Section C: British Film since 1995
You will study two British films: We Need to Talk About Kevin (Ramsay, 2011) and This is England (Meadows, 2006).
Note: films studied are subject to change as set by the exam board.

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
You will study films from a range of cultures and national cinemas, including foreign language films.

Section A: Global Film
You will study a European and an International foreign language film: Pan’s Labyrinth (del Toro, 2006) and City of God (Mereilles, 2002, Brazil).

Section B: Documentary Film
You will study one documentary film: Amy, Kapadia (2015).

Section C: Silent Cinema
You will study the work of Buster Keaton and the silent film era.

Section D: Experimental Film
You will study a critically acclaimed experimental film Memento (Nolan, 2000).

Component 3: Study of Short Film
You will study a range of short films to produce a 1800 word evaluative analysis as well as developing your own creative practice to produce a 3-5 minute short film or screenplay and photographed storyboard.

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
35% of qualification

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
35% of qualification

Coursework
Non-Exam Assessment
30% of qualification

A Level Film Studies is an excellent course to prepare for a wide range of higher education courses but specific HE opportunities include: Filmmaking; Sound Design; Post-Production; Cultural Studies and Journalism. These HE courses could lead to a broad range of careers in the creative industries or further academic study. The course also provides valuable training in critical thought, extended writing, and evaluating the way messages and ideologies are communicated. All of these skills are of great value in the modern world, both in higher education and the world of work.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.