A Level Film Studies

Sandbach College

Why study this course?

Film is a diverse and dynamic subject with a clear link to the modern world of cinemas, films and the film industry. It is a highly relevant form of visual art and popular entertainment. It will provide you with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of films from around the globe and visit diverse geographical and historical contexts like 1920’s America and early 21st century Brazil. In Film Studies, you will explore different forms and genres, come to understand ideological approaches to analysing films and reach an awareness of the role social contexts have on the creation of meaning. In the NEA component, you will be able to exercise your creativity by writing a screenplay in a professional format and compiling a storyboard using your own digital photography skills.

Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements

We ask that all students achieve grade 4 or equivalent (a Level 2 pass) in at least 4 subjects, alongside the following subject specific entry requirements:

Grade 4 GCSE in English

What will I learn on this course?

In Film Studies, you will acquire the skills and the confidence to develop and analyse a range of films from different societies and at various points of modern history. You will discover how directors use camera angle, editing, costume and other features of cinematography to create meaning for the viewer. There will be a detailed study of issues of representation and the use of narrative techniques. You will be encouraged throughout to develop your own critical voice when responding to films and film movements, and in the exploration of themes such as crime, friendship, social unrest and war. You will also learn about spectatorship issues and how viewers are manipulated into responding in a certain way to the director’s positioning of character. In the NEA, you will undertake research on the short film genre and learn how to construct your own short film creatively, writing your first screenplay and taking your own photographs in the production of a storyboard.