FILM STUDIES

Teacher in Charge : Mr I Charnock


A-level Film Studies (Welsh Examinations Board)

Which syllabus do we study? WJEC Syllabus 042080 (AS) 006990 (A2)

This course involves the study of film from 1915 to the present day.  Film is now recognised as the major new art form of the 20th Century.  You will be encouraged to develop an awareness of cinema as art and to further your appreciation and enjoyment of film through a deeper understanding of form, meaning and production.  The films studied will be diverse – for example Pretty Woman, The 39 Steps, Strictly Ballroom, Bladerunner, The Matrix among others.

Course Content as from September 2008:

 

AS level (1st year) A2 level (2nd year)

F1  Film-Making Meanings will consist of two components: 
 
1 Film Analysis, will involve the close study of a film sequence of approximately 5 minutes from 2 chosen films.

2 Creative Application of Learning, requires the candidate to produce a short extract of an imaginary film which will consist of a statement of intent (500 words), the creative work itself (storyboard, outline for screenplay and filmed sequence), and an analysis of how it works.

F3  Film-Making Meanings 2 will consist of two components:

1 is a Small-scale Research Project which will involve a close study of one Focus Film and two other related films.

2 Creative Application of Learning, is a multi-task component involving elements from creating a film season to a short film or sequence. Some work can be tackled as a group effort.

F2  British and American Cinema:

Section A: Procedures and Audiences will concentrate on how films are made and audience reaction to them.
 

Section B: British Cinema will feature a series of topics, e.g. Comedy or Horror, and two focus films for close study.

Section C: American Cinema will comprise the close study of a single film.
F4: Cinema and Spectators :

Section A: World Cinema in which we study Japanese Cinema 1950-1970 and work by greats such as Ozu, Kurozawa and Mizoguchi.

Section B: Film Spectatorship focuses on spectators to film and their responses- we will study the Early Cinema component.

Section C Specialist and Critical Debate involves the study of a single film and the critical responses to that film.

 

Requirements
You do not require any prior qualifications in Film or Media Studies but a Grade B in GCSE English Language / English Literature / History is recommended. 

Career Opportunities
Film Studies would suit entry to courses such as English, the Humanities, Media Studies, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology or History of Art.  It develops a range of transferable critical, analytical and research skills.

 

St George's School, Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7DZ  Telephone: 01344 629900
E-mail:
office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk