Courses
Overview
Film Studies
Introduction
The film studies course at Eckington School encourages students to engage with the most innovative art form of the twentieth century and explore how cinema continues to develop through this century. Students are given the specialist vocabulary necessary to articulate complex ideas about film, alongside the social, cultural, political, historical and institutional contexts of the films we study, to debate the place and significance of film within wider society. We are passionate about films of all genres and forms; we encourage film students to embrace the opportunity to deconstruct our set films, and apply their understanding to construct a film of their own.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
WJEC
Course leader
Mr B Lewis and Mrs R Mabbs
Assessment
- Examination: 70%
- Non-examined assessment: 30%
Curriculum
Curriculum roadmap
Topics
Over the two years a range of film genres will be studied across different time periods, from silent cinema to modern Hollywood. Contemporary British films will be studied alongside examples from world cinema and different film forms from experimental to documentary.
Some examples of the films being currently taught are La La Land, Pulp Fiction, Amy, Shaun of the Dead and Some Like it Hot. These are just some of the films but they illustrate the breadth of the course on offer.
Students will also have the opportunity to make their own practical production piece where they will be expected to shoot and edit a short film or create a photo storyboard alongside a screenplay.
Skills and requirements
Subject entry requirements
- Grade 6 in English language or literature or a grade 6 in media studies.
Sixth Form entry requirements
- 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
- 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
- Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
This course will appeal to those who wish to carry on studying analytical subjects such as film, media studies, English literature and law at university, as well as those who wish to enter into jobs that require
analysis or creativity.
Due to the practical element of the course students will develop filming and editing techniques which can lead on to a career in the film/media industry.
