AS/ A LEVEL FILM
The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed to introduce AS /A-Level 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 and independent American and British films from the past and the present as well as more recent non-English language European films.
During year 2, 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.
Production work is a crucial part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to enable learners to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker’s perspective on their own study of film.
What will I learn?
Across the course, you will learn about the production techniques, genre-specific stylings, narrative structures and context surrounding the variety of films studied. This knowledge is applicable to the creation of your own short film.
While focusing on British and American film, you will study: cinematography; mise-en-scene; sound and forms of sound; editing techniques; performances; meaning and audience-response; spectatorship; narratives; and filmmaking ideologies. Many of these topics are also studied in relation to Global film, but especially narrative, spectatorship and filmmaking ideologies. While focusing on global film, you will also learn about particular tropes and conventions of silent films, documentaries and experimental films.
Films that you will study and analyse in your first year might include: Casablanca (1942) or Vertigo (1958); One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) or Blade Runner (1982); Sean of the Dead (2004), Fish Tank (2009) and/or This is England (2006); and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) or The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007).
How is it assessed?
Assessment during each academic year is made up of internally sat exams and one coursework element comprising of a practical task (either focusing on filmmaking or screenwriting) and a self-evaluation. The knowledge and skills learn for the two exams in the first year – American Film and European Film – are then applied to one exam in the second year; the remaining exam is on Global Filmmaking and Film Movements. Exams at AS level are 1½ hours long and at A level and 2½ hours long.
Next steps
In Liverpool alone, there are multiple next steps for individuals who have completed a course in Film Studies. At Liverpool John Moore’s University, there are courses on ‘Film Studies,’ ‘Film Studies with Creative Writing,’ ‘English, Media and Communication’ and ‘Media Production.’ Liverpool is also known for its multiple independent cinemas, include FACT in our own city centre which regularly has internship and managerial job opportunities. Finally, at North Liverpool Academy, links have previously been made with BBC Media City, Salford, who often offer work experience opportunities for those wishing to move straight into the world of work.