GCSE Film Studies
Subject leader: Mr G Scarfe
Exam board: Eduqas
Course Description:
Film Studies draws on learners’ enthusiasm for film, introducing 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 studying one film from the 1950s and one film from the later 70s and 80s, thus looking at two stages in Hollywood’s development. In addition, they will be studying more recent films – a US independent film plus films from Europe, including the UK and South Africa. Production is an important part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film too . Learners have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to support learners in producing creative films and screenplays as well as enable their production work to provide an informed filmmaker’s perspective on their own study of film.
Course Units
Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
- Section A: US film comparative study – ‘Invasion of the Bodysnatchers’ & ‘E.T.’
- Section B: Key developments in film and film technology
- Section C: US independent film – focus on specialist writing on film – ‘Juno’
- Section A: Global English language films – ‘District 9’ or ‘JoJo Rabbit’ (to be confirmed)
- Section B: Global, non-English language films – ‘Wadjda’
- Section C: UK Film – ‘Skyfall’
Component 3: Non-Examined Assessment: Learners produce either a filmed extract from a genre film (2 mins – 2½ mins) or an extract from a screenplay for a genre film accompanied by a shooting script of a key section from the screenplay. Learners also provide an evaluative analysis of the production.
Assessment:
Learners are assessed at the end of each topic throughout the course so teachers can gauge progress.
There are two exams at the end of Year 11 which make up 70% of the final GCSE grade; the NEA provides 30%.
Why should I study this course?
Student Quote:
“What I like most about Film Studies is that it’s a fresh change of pace from other lessons in the curriculum, and that it always retains my interest. There is always something new to learn, whether that be techniques, terminology or a new camera shot. It’s never boring” – Year 10 male student.
“It’s made learning about film fun and engaging. I’m glad I chose the subject” – Year 11 female student
