Film Studies

Key Contact:  Amelia Barnes abb@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:  Eduqas A Level Film Studies

Course Content

The A Level Film Studies course is designed to introduce learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language. The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience.

Year 12

Half Term 1:

• Introduction to Film & Film Studies.
• Component 2 Global Film:  Pan’s Labyrinth.
• Component 1 British Film: Shaun of The Dead

Half Term 2:

• Component 2 Global Film: Pan’s Labyrinth / Parasite
• Component 1 British Film: Shaun of The Dead / Trainspotting

Half Term 3:

• Component 2 Global Film: Parasite
• Component 1 British Film: Trainspotting
• Component 2 Documentary: Amy

Half Term 4:

• Component 3: NEA Short Films
• Component 2 Documentary: Amy

Half Term 5:

• Component 3: NEA Original screenplay and storyboard

Half Term 6:

• Component 1: Hollywood: Vertigo
• Component 3 NEA: original screenplay, storyboard and evaluation

Year 13

Half Term 1:

• Component 1: Hollywood: Vertigo / Alien
• Component 1: Independent American Film: Joker
• Component 3: NEA Evaluation

Half Term 2:

• Component 1: Hollywood: Alien
• Component 1: Independent American Film: Get Out
• Mock Preparation

Half Term 3:

• Component 2: Film Movements: German Expressionism / Sunrise
• Component 2: Experimental Film: Memento

Half Term 4:

• Component 2: Film Movements: German Expressionism / Sunrise
• Component 2: Experimental Film: Memento

Half Term 5:

• Revision of all components

Homework

Set weekly by each teacher  – a mixture of terminology revision, research and analysis tasks, wider reading/watching, NEA completion.

Assessment

A mixture of timed, extended exam responses and knowledge assessments, plus drafts of NEA screenplay and evaluation.

Useful information, links and resources

AS and A Level Film Studies | Eduqas – exam board page with specification and key documents and resources.

StudioBinder – YouTube – excellent film-based YouTube channel which has lots of excellent videos on all elements of Film.

Film History – Crash Course – excellent overview of the history and development of film.