Mass Media and Culture Studies

Film Studies

ESA stands on the very soil where Kubrick made 2001 Space Odyssey. Film radically changed the way stories could be told and experienced. We learn from the greats to develop a deep appreciation of film and a love and joy of making new work.

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Key Stage 5
Film Studies A-Level

Course Code: WJEC A670QS
Specification: WJEC EDUCAS A Level: Film Studies AS/A level

About:

Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it typically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from emotional to reflective.

Film Studies makes an important contribution to the curriculum, offering the opportunity to investigate how film works both as a medium of representation and as an aesthetic medium.

The WJEC Educas specification is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. The purpose of this course is to expose students to a wide variety of films from across different time periods, genres and countries.

Careers and Industry Connections:

A level Film Studies students can go onto study Film, TV or Media at University. The subject works well with other Media based subjects or analytical subjects such as Sociology or English Literature. Some of our students have gone on to study Film at a wide range of institutions included the British Film Institute. With our industry standard equipment and expertise there is no limit to the standard of work that is produced in this area of the department. Students have gone on to work as freelance as filmmakers, gone onto universities such as UAL, UH, Falmouth, London South Bank, London Met, UCA, Arts University Bournemouth.

Assessment:

The course consists of three components:

  • Component 1: varieties of film and film making Students will study:

    • Section A: Hollywood 1930 – 1990

    • Section B: American Film since 2005

    • Section C: British Film since 1995

  • Component 2: global filmmaking perspectives

    • Section A: Global film – students will study two films, on European and one global, and then compare these.

    • Section B: Documentary film – students will explore the documentary Amy

    • Section C: Film movements – silent cinema – students will explore and analyse the film Keaton Shorts

    • Section D: Film movements – experimental film – students will explore and analyse the film Pulp Fiction.

  • Component 3: Production – students will create either a short film or a screenplay. Students will then write an evaluation of their creation.

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