Film Studies - A Level

The WJEC Eduqas A level in Film Studies aims to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

a diverse range of film, including documentary, film from the silent era, experimental film and short film

the significance of film and film practice in national, global and historical contexts

film and its key contexts (including social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts)

how films generate meanings and responses

film as an aesthetic medium

the different ways in which spectators respond to film.

It also aims to enable learners to:

apply critical approaches to film and

apply knowledge and understanding of film through either filmmaking or screenwriting.

This course is 70% exam based and 30% NEA. Students will complete two 2 ½ hour exams at the end of the second year.

The course has two examined Units:

Component 1 – Varieties of film and film making.

Component 2 – Global filmmaking perspectives.

Paper 1 is comprised of three sections: A, B and C. Students complete one of two questions from Section A (a 40 mark essay analysis) one of two questions from Section B (a 20 mark essay analysis) and one of two questions from Section C (a 20 mark essay analysis).

Paper 2 is comprised of four sections: A, B, C and D. Students complete one of two questions from Section A (a 40 mark essay analysis) one of two questions from Section B (a 20 mark essay analysis) one of two questions from Section C (a 20 mark essay analysis) and one of two questions from Section D (a 20 mark essay analysis).

Students must have a good writing ability and a Grade 5 in English Language and/or Literature is recommended.

A level Film Studies students can go onto study Film, TV or Media at University. Students have the option to study a practical degree, theoretical degree or a combination of the two. This can lead to a very broad range of professions with many students able to develop skills that will enable them to apply for production roles within the Film, TV and Media industries. Some students opt for careers within Journalism and photojournalism.

A good degree in a creative arts subject like Film Studies can also develop a wide range of transferable skills including analysis, visual communication, problem solving, as well as communication, presentation and organizational skills.