Film Studies
Key Information
The Film Studies Curriculum at KS4 is exciting, interesting and challenging. It has been designed to help learners develop as a film critic, developing their understanding of film terminology and how to apply them when ‘reading’ a film. It also encourages the ability to develop critical thinking skills and become effective and independent learners. An intensive course that involves you demonstrating your knowledge and expertise through a mixture of written papers and portfolio assignments. The Film Studies course involves an extensive amount of independent written work.
Assessment
Following the Eduqas specification learners will be assessed through the following:
External Assessment (70%) Two written papers exploring the 6 set films and demonstrating your understanding of film history, representation, aesthetics and the key elements of film form e.g. cinematography
Production (30%) Film production – creation of a screenplay, shooting script and evaluative analysis based on an original idea for a film you have created.
Subject information
FILM STUDIES GCSE
The course engages learners and actively explores a wide range of films from both inside and outside of Hollywood, expanding learners' cultural capital and developing their understanding of film technology, terminology and analysis.
Learners will learn to ‘read’ films, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They will be able to gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, opinions and reflect and refine their written form. Whatever the future holds within the subject for those that opt to study it all will emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.
Is this course right for me?
Do you enjoy:
Analysing different parts of a film and discussing what they could mean?
Working in a group and independently?
Expressing yourself in a creative and exciting way?
Contributing your ideas and taking onboard those of others?
Creating your own scripts/storyboards for films?
Coming up with your own pitch for a new film?
Researching into the film industry?
Exploring the history of film?
Learning about different filming techniques?
Writing – there will be lots of it?
Can you:
Be focused, committed and reliable?
Work as part of a team?
Work in a professional way?
Think in a creative way?
Have excellent attendance?
Commit time after school for improving and refining your work?
Meet written and practical deadlines?
Write at length about an area of film?
Those deciding to do GCSE Film Studies will need to have a love of film and enjoy watching films in depth. It is expected they will watch both blockbuster style films and also those from outside of Hollywood such as Independent and Non-English language (subtitled) films. Learners should enjoy writing about films and understand they will learn how to analyse key sequences in depth through the written word.
What can this lead to?
This qualification gives learners the perfect foundation for further studies in Film or Media, including A-level Film and/or Media, and/or a career in Film and/or Media. It also prepares learners for a wide variety of other careers including Teaching, Gaming, Film and Television Industry.
Key links
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/sjyhrqeu/eduqas-gcse-film-studies-spec-from-2017-e.pdf
Please note that certain combinations of subjects are not possible, including any Film Studies and Media Studies GCSE.
