Film Studies (GCSE)

Exam Board: EDUQAS

Course Overview:

The EDUQAS specification is designed to introduce learners to the key concepts for studying film. This 

incorporates film language, representation of people and places, film industries and film audiences in relation to examples from a wide range of film forms. This exploration extends learners’ engagement with accredited film productions in the UK, Hollywood and rest of the world, including films from different historical periods and those aimed at different audiences, providing rich and challenging opportunities for interpretation and analysis.

Course Content/Assessment:

Component 1: Key Developments in US Film 

• Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

• 35% of qualification – externally assessed

• Section A: US film comparative study

• Section B: Key developments in film and film technology

• Section C: US independent film

Component 2:  Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style

• Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

• 35% of qualification – externally assessed

• This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three global films produced outside the U.S.

Component 3: Coursework - Creating a Film Product 

• 30% of qualification – externally assessed

• Student must create a screenplay extract from one of the following genres of film: science fiction,                 horror and the teenage film

The extract must take the form of one of the following two options:

• The opening of the film or

• An extract from any part of the film, which creates suspense and tension

The extract must be between 800 and 1000 words. It must be accompanied by a shooting script of a key section from the screenplay (approximately 1 minute of screen time, corresponding to approximately one page of the screenplay). Learners must complete an evaluative analysis of their production of between 750 and 850 words.

Extra Curricular Opportunities:

The Academy is committed to investing in Creative Industry pathways through the support of the Stationers’ Company.  A fully resourced Digital Media Centre creates numerous opportunities, from working on school-community based projects to create products and perspectives that can be shared globally.

Career Prospects and Transferable Skills:

• Learn skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis 

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of important societal issues 

• Develop an appreciation and critical understanding of the Film Industry and its role both historically 

and currently in society, culture and politics. Continued pathway at Post 16 (Btec or A level) with

development into marketing, advertising, news, events management, digital film production and P.R.

Further Information: Hollie Heasman (Head of Film and Media) - email: hollie.heasman@scwa.org.uk