Film Studies AS and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

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This course introduces students to the systematic study of film as an art form. British, American and World Cinema will be studied from the 1920s to the present. The course provides students with opportunities to study film within historical, social and cultural contexts, encouraging them to develop a variety of interpretations. Analysis of the filmmakers’ art and craft will provide them with a powerful and critical understanding of the moving image. The course also provides the possibilities to translate theory into practice with screenwriting, story-boarding and filmmaking options.

You will have an interest in film and a willingness to extend and develop the range and styles of films that you view. A film text is so difficult to explain because it is so easy to understand; therefore, you need an open and enquiring mind, established writing skills and a willingness to enter debate and discussion.

Links with other subjects

Film Studies provides an excellent complement to the arts, performing arts and social sciences. As a discipline that requires rigorous analysis, independent research and reflective observation it will complement all A Level study and in particular sociology, psychology, history and any of the English courses.

AS in the first year consists of three components:

Component 1: American Film (35%)-

This is an externally assessed exam of 1.5 hours divided into two sections with a choice of questions.

Section A explores two examples of Hollywood cinema Casablanca and Bonnie and Clyde

Section B explores a single example of contemporary American Independent cinema Captain Fantastic

Component 2: European Film (35%)-

This is an externally assessed exam of 1.5 hours divided into two sections with a choice of questions.

Section A explores two examples of recent UK film Trainspotting and Fish Tank

Section B explores a contemporary European film Pan’s Labyrinth

NEA: Exploring Film Form (30%)-

The NEA (Non Examined Assessment or coursework component) is composed of a creative / practical project (screenwriting) that will draw upon the skills developed in the analysis, plus an evaluation of the project.

A Level in the second year consists of three components:

Component 1: Filmmaking and Spectatorship (35%) –

This is an externally assessed exam of 2.5 hours divided into four sections with a choice of questions.

Section A explores two examples of Hollywood cinema Casablanca and Bonnie and Clyde

Section B explores two examples of contemporary American cinema Captain Fantastic and Nomadland

Section C explores two examples of recent UK Filmmaking Trainspotting and Fish Tank

Component 2: Varieties of Global Film (35%) –

This is an externally assessed exam of 2.5 hours divided into four sections with a choice of questions.

Section A explores two examples of contemporary European and World cinema Pan’s Labyrinth and City of God

Section B explores an example of a contemporary documentary film Amy

Section C explores an example of early silent film Sunrise

Section D explores an example of experimental film Cleo from 5 to 7

NEA: Exploring Film Form (30%)

The NEA (Non Examined Assessment or coursework component) is composed of a creative / practical project (screenwriting or film making) that will draw upon the skills developed in the analysis, plus an evaluation of the project.

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

Cinema screenings; conferences; visiting speakers and workshops.

Two teachers will be responsible for delivering the content of the course over five lessons a week. Each lesson should be understood as a signpost for the students learning and independent learning is actively encouraged. You must be willing to engage in discussion and debate around the film text and other primary sources. You must provide close analysis of the set film texts and be able to consider new and challenging ideas. You must be prepared to carry out independent research, interpret secondary sources and engage with wider critical reading - this is often evidenced in presentations and seminars run by students in the class!

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

The skills developed during the course link with a range of subjects at Higher Education and a wide range of vocations available without a degree: film, media, journalism, marketing, research, advertising, arts administration, museum and archivist work. Future prospects in these areas are encouraging and this course provides students with an understanding of a form that has prominent cultural significance and visibility, as the creative industries now annually contribute over £84 billion to the UK economy.