Why should I study film studies?The language of film is now as ubiquitous as the written word. Films dominate the cultural landscape and the growth of streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney+ have brought far flung cultures into everyone’s living rooms. It is a multi-billion pound industry in the UK alone, with world famous studios such as Pinewood and Shepperton based here, as well as London being the centre of the special effects industry. With the film industry not only dominating mass culture but also shaping how the world is viewed, this GCSE will give you the tools to understand and maybe even influence it in the future. Which films will I study?*
*NOTE: Films may change depending on assessment requirements. |
|
Why are these films chosen?
The films are chosen to help you appreciate how the language of film has developed over time and how the globalisation of mass media has led to other centres of production other than Hollywood and other markets gaining importance.
Are there any field trips or enrichment opportunities?
The opportunity may arise to visit locations to do with film production.
How will I be assessed?
The majority of your assessment is based on two exam papers sat at the end of your course, but this qualification does also include a non-exam assessment (NEA) which is worth 30% of your final mark.
Paper 1: Key Developments in US Film
- Topics covered: US film comparative study, key developments in film and film technology, US independent film
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 35% of qualification
Paper 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style
- Topics covered: global English language film, global non-English language film, contemporary UK film
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 35% of qualification
NEA: Production
- Produce a practical piece, which may be filmed or written depending on each year’s brief.
- Complete a written evaluative analysis of the production.
- 30% of qualification
Will the course be a good preparation for A Level?
This course will prepare you for further study in a range of A levels such as Film Studies, Media Studies and Communication Studies. It will also give you a range of analytical skills you can apply to several subjects as well as a knowledge of how culture has developed over time and across cultures.
What are the next steps?
Should you wish to choose GCSE Film Studies, you will need to have been recommended for the general pathway and can therefore add it as the main choice in the Option 3 box. If you have any further questions about this course, please contact our Head of English, Mr Street, at
