Film Studies

The Film Studies course introduces the technical aspects of filmmaking and looks in-depth at the whole production of film, including genre conventions and stylistic features, from script-stage to the final produced piece. 

Students will enjoy this course if they are interested in photography, cinematography, the media and how the film industry works, both in Hollywood and non-Hollywood films such as independent and world cinema.     

 
EXAMINATION BOARD - EDUQAS 

SPECIFICATION CODE - C670QS 
 

CURRICULUM CONTENT 

This specification will enable students to explore films in a coherent way, cumulatively developing their knowledge and understanding of:

  • how films are constructed – through cinematography (camerawork and lighting), mise-en-scène (how sets, locations, props and costume are used in film), editing and sound
  • how films are organised into structures – genre (the different kinds of film) and narrative (how films tell their stories)
  • how films can be used – artistically (the aesthetic qualities of film) and as a way of communicating ideas and issues (representation)
  • how learners make sense of film through exploring a film's relevant contexts (social, cultural, historical, political and institutional), through an awareness of key aspects of the history of film and through specialist writing on film.

 ASSESSMENT

Paper 1:  

  • Paper 1: Hollywood Film. Assessment will include:
  • The history of cinema
  • The technical aspects of film: sound, editing, camera shots and angles, lighting and visual effects
  • Character and representation

Key Films For Study: 

Invasion Of The Body snatchers (1956), ET: The Extra Terrestrial (1982), The Hate U Give (2018) 

Paper 2:  

  • Paper 2: World Cinema. Assessment will include:
  • Representation in a foreign-language film
  • Aesthetics, narrative structure, character development

Key Films For Study: 

Attack The Block (2011), Wadjda (2012), Slumdog Millionaire (2008) 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 

Students can enter a variety of national competitions in filmmaking throughout the course.

PROGRESSION 

GCSE Film Studies is a solid basis for many A level and Degree subjects including Media Studies, Film Studies and Photography.