Film Studies — Solihull Sixth Form College

Film Studies

Why study Film Studies?

Film Studies

  • A Level Film Studies is designed to broaden learners’ knowledge and understanding of film and the variety of responses films can generate.
  • You will study a wide variety of films: in addition to British and American films (both mainstream and independent) you will also look at European and World cinema.
  • Studies in documentary, silent film, experimental and short films will add to the breadth of your learning experience.
  • Production work is a crucial part of this course, and you will be given the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed through your own filmmaking and screenwriting.
Why study Film Studies at Solihull Sixth Form College?
  • Excellent teaching from enthusiastic, qualified staff.
  • We are very well-resourced – for example we have a suite of I-Macs running Adobe Creative Suite plus a dedicated technician.
  • Many of our learners go on to study Film and Media-related courses at University and after this progress to work within the Media and Film industries.
Course Outline

There are two examined components:

Component 1: Varieties of Film and Filmmaking
Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 – a comparative study of one film from the classical Hollywood period (eg Vertigo) and one from the ‘New’ Hollywood period (eg Do the right Thing)
Section B: American film since 2005: a study of one contemporary mainstream film (eg Joker) and one contemporary Independent film (eg Promising Young Woman)
Section C: British Film Since 1995: a study of two British films (eg Trainspotting and This is England)

Component 2: Global Filmmaking Perspectives
Section A: Global Film: a study of one European Film (eg Another Round) and one Film from outside
Europe (eg City of God)
Section B: Documentary Film: study of one documentary such as ‘Amy’
Section C: Film Movements – Silent Cinema. Study of the films of Buster Keaton
Section D: Film Movements – Experimental Film (1960-2000). Study of one film, for example ‘Memento’

The coursework component is Component 3: Production
Learners produce either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section of the screenplay and an evaluative analysis (1600-1800 words).

Assessment

Practical (30%)
Examination (70%)
Examining Board – EDUQAS

Special Entry Requirements

Standard A level entry requirements apply.

Prohibited Options

None.

What do our learners go on to do?

Film Studies can help with analytical skills required in a range of professions. Learners of this subject may choose to follow a course in a similar area at degree level. Typical career paths involve filmmaking, work within digital media and animation. Current A Level learners are expecting to take up Film Studies courses with both practical and theoretical elements.

Cost Implications

There are no specific costs involved in studying A level Film Studies, but we offer trips that will require payment for transport.

Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses

Film Studies learners take the subject with a range of other courses. Among the most popular are Media Studies, English Literature, Theatre Studies and Photography, but the subject can be combined successfully with other A Levels. Learners may wish to be involved in the Student Magazine or Creative Writing enrichments.

This information is correct for September 2024 entry.

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