A Level Film Studies

What is it?

You will study British, Hollywood and world cinema. You will consider audience responses, develop critical and analytical skills, as well as undertaking a range of creative projects across the two years.

Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?

You will be supported by bespoke online materials in film education, allowing you to continue your studies outside of the classroom. Be prepared for a cinematic master class!

What skills will I develop?

• Analytical skills; developing a depth of knowledge on all aspects of film form, from technical components such as cinematography and editing, to aesthetic areas such as mise-en-scene, and colour and light.
• Critical skills developed through auteur studies (particular filmmakers), and film movements and trends.
• Deeper understanding of film industries and how they are impacted by historical, political and social contexts.
• Knowledge of the history of cinema through studies of the formative era of silent cinema, through to more emergent contemporary techniques.

How will I be taught?

• Classroom sessions will include close analysis of film sequences.
• Whole films will be screened throughout the year. Some of these may be screened in the theatre at times outside of the timetabled sessions.
• You will be provided with a range of resources that will be both print based and online. These will include video material that will allow you to continue your studies outside the classroom.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the year, interim assessments will include written assessments, however there will also be a requirement for students to research topics independently. These will help you to develop skills for the final exams.

Two formal examinations will take place at the end of the second year. This is 70% of the overall mark. The coursework unit is 30% of the overall mark.

Teacher expertise

The subject is taught by an experienced teacher who is also an examiner for A Level Film Studies.

Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

Over the course of the two years, you will have the opportunity for visits that include:

• A residential trip to London to visit the British Film Institute, the British Board of Film Classification, and the Warner Brothers studios.
• The Aesthetica film festival in York where you will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and filmmakers. Previous speakers have included representatives from BBC Films and Film4; Scott Free (Ridley Scott’s production company based in Hollywood); Alice Lowe (British film maker and actor) amongst many others.
• Other talks and events throughout the year from relevant speakers.

Where does it lead?

A Level Film Studies offers the opportunity for further study at university on a range of film and media related courses, either practical or theoretical in terms of content. Due to the nature of the course in terms of essay writing, research and analysis, the course will also prepare you well for formal academic study at university. Examples include students progressing to York University (Russell Group) and Westminster University.

Equipment

None required.

Examination board

WJEC.