Garth Hill College'A' Level Film Studies
Film Studies is most akin to English literature and Media Studies in its analysis of the creative art form. The course is designed to introduce A level learners to a broad range of films (it is not an exploration of our impressive blockbuster/ mainstream movies!) in order to broaden your knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate in its extremely varied spectators. Film 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 digital present. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience. We complete in-depth exploration and analysis of at least 10 films across the 2 year course of study, as well as a small number of short films. There is also a significant proportion of the course which is Non-Exam Assessed and enables you to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker's perspective on your own study of film.
A Level Film Studies Overview:
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Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking Written examination: 2.5 hours 35% of qualification |
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This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.
Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two Hollywood films, one from the Classical Hollywood period (1930-1960) and the other from the New Hollywood period (1961-1990). Section B: American film since 2005 /2012 (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film. Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two British films. |
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Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives Written examination: 2.5 hours 35% of qualification |
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This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films (or their equivalent).
Section A: Global film (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two global films: one European and one produced outside Europe. Section B: Documentary film One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one documentary film. Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one silent film or group of films. Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2001) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one film option. |
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Component 3: 3: Production Non-exam assessment 30% of qualification |
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This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis.
Learners produce:
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What do you need to study Film Studies?
We recommend the following:
- Grade 5 in English (Language or Literature)
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Maths
Where can Media Studies take me?
Thinking of university? Some ideas include:
- Film Studies
- Animation
- Media Studies
- Media and Communication
- English and Journalism
- Creative Writing and Media
Potential jobs later on:
- Camera operator
- Screenplay writer
- Director
- Cinematographer
- Producer
- Storyboard artist
- Animator
- Performing arts
- Broadcast & media
- Publishing and journalism
- Advertising and marketing
- Arts, crafts & design
- Information technology
- Travel and tourism
- There is a range of apprenticeships linked to an interest in media studies including:
Film industry apprenticeships
- Animation
- Arts, media and publishing, e.g. digital design, digital journalist
- Advertising & marketing, e.g. digital marketing, social media & digital marketing
- Information technology, e.g. web developer
