Film

GCSE Film Studies

The WJEC Eduqas (9-1) specification in GCSE Film Studies is designed to draw on learners’ enthusiasm for film and introduce them to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology. Learners will develop their knowledge of US mainstream film by looking at two stages of Hollywood’s development (1950s through to 1980s). In addition, they will be studying more recent films – US independent film as well as films from Europe, including the UK, Sweden and South Africa.

Production is an important part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several contexts is designed to help them apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed.

The study of three components in GCSE level Film Studies aims to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The ways in which meanings and responses are generated through film.

• The significance of film and film practice in national, global and historical contexts.

• How films reflect the social, cultural and political contexts in which they are made.

• Film as an aesthetic medium.

• The relationship between film and film technology over time.

Assessment

Paper 1: Key Developments in US Film (Section A: US Film Comparative Study; Section B: Key Developments in Film and Film Technology; Section C: US Independent Film) – 35%

Paper 2: European Film (Section A: Global English Language Film; Section B: Global Non-English Language Film; Section C: Contemporary UK Film) – 35%

Coursework: Production (Choose from two options—Option 1: Film making; Option 2: Screenwriting) – 30%

Students will complete the WJEC Eduqas (9-1) examinations at the end of Year 11. For their coursework, learners must work independently to research, plan and produce one individual film production extract from a selection of genres including: Crime, War, The Teenage Film, Science Fiction, Horror, The Musical. For either coursework option (film making or screenwriting), the production extract must take the form of one of the following: the opening of the film or an extract from any part of the film which creates tension and suspense.

Progression routes for GCSE Film Studies

• A variety of A Level courses including: Film Studies; Media Studies; Psychology; Sociology; History; Geography.

• Level 2/3 courses in Film Animation, Creative and Media, Computer Games Design and Creative Writing

• Careers in Film Production, Directing, Screenwriting, Camera Operator, Programme Researcher.