Film & Media
Film is widely acknowledged as a major art form of the 20th Century. Film is a very important part of people’s cultural experience. The Film Studies specifications are designed to draw on learners' enthusiasm for film and introduce them to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology. Production work is a crucial part of the courses. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts gives learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting.
Media Studies is on offer for A level learners who will study a wide range of rich and stimulating media products including newspapers, advertising and marketing, music videos, radio and video games. Learners will gain an understanding of Media Industries and Audiences and analyse Media Language, Theories and Representation in depth. This offers opportunities for detailed analysis of how the media communicate meanings in a variety of forms.
At Oaks Park we are one of the few schools that we offer Film Studies at both GCSE and A level with specialist teachers. You will explore a wide range of films and learn through your own creative work. We have enviable facilities with a fantastic range of equipment, software and resources for students to use.
Media Studies learners will work from their product outwards and develop key transferable skill to debate key critical questions related to the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media.
KS4 Film
Exam Board: EDUQAS
Film is widely acknowledged as the major art form of the 20th Century and today film continues to be an important part of most people’s cultural experience. GCSE Film aims to place your experiences and creative ideas at the centre of the course. You will explore a wide range of films and learn through your own creative work. The course is underpinned by the relationship between films, their audiences and the organisations that produce, distribute and exhibit them.
Examination – 70% of total mark
Key Developments in US Film
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three US films chosen from a range of options:
- US film comparative study.
- Key developments in film and film technology.
- US independent film.
Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style
This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three global films produced outside the US chosen from a range of options:
- English language film.
- Non-English language film.
- Contemporary UK film.
Coursework – 30% of total mark
Production - Non-exam assessment
Students have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the exploration and analysis of film through:
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One genre-based film extract (either from a film or from a screenplay).
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One evaluative analysis of the production, where learners analyse and evaluate their production in relation to comparable, professionally-produced films or screenplays.
Skills
- Learning and using film vocabulary to analyse media texts.
- The creation and marketing of film products through practical work.
- Understanding of some film theory and theorists.
- Film institutions and their audiences.
Progression
GCSE Film can lead to a number of AS courses including AS Media, English, Film, BTEC in Media, Graphics, etc. With a growing Film industry, students with media qualifications will be sought in many related professions such as Journalism, Design, Advertising, Film, TV, Music & Radio and even Game Design.
KS5
Course |
A-Level Film Studies |
Examining Board | EDUQAS |
Specification | Link |
Why study this subject? |
Do you love watching, talking and thinking about films? Film Studies will deepen your understanding of film by exploring technical aspects of how they are made, how films reflect their culture, explore ideas and expand what stories can be. In the course you will learn about key Hollywood films, independent films and the history of cinema from silent cinema to today. In addition, you will apply these skills to write your own screenplay and create a storyboard. |
Unit 1 |
American Film Explore the history of Hollywood cinema and contrasts with independent cinema through 3 films:
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Unit 2 |
European Film Discover how European cinema differs from American film through an in-depth exploration of social, cultural and political context. You will study 3 films:
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Unit 1 A |
Varieties of Film and Filmmaking Apply your knowledge of film form, context and director’s to 6 films:
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Unit 2A |
Global Filmmaking Perspectives Expand your understanding of film to consider the history of cinema, documentary, global films and experimental cinema through 5 films:
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Unit 3 (AS & A Level) |
Screenplay This component synthesises knowledge and understanding of filmmaking techniques, context and narrative to create their own screenplay and storyboard. |
Assessment AS |
2 Exams 1 Production |
Assessment A-Level |
2 Exams 1 Production |
Next steps - Careers/HE courses |
Journalism, Film and Television Production, Teaching, Research, Film Editor, Events Manager, Public Relations, Marketing Manager |
Suggested links to resources |
Course |
A-Level Media Studies |
Examining Board |
EDUQAS |
Specification |
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Why study this subject? |
Have you ever wondered how the Media lures you into their products? Growing up in a world consumed by Media, this subject allows you to question the validity of the information you receive on a daily basis and to be aware of bias within the media which shape our minds. Your minds will open and you will think critically about the Media. By the end of the two-year period you will have an even better understanding of the world we live in. It is important for you to understand the forces at work behind the production and consumption, with an emphasis on theoretical, cultural and historical knowledge necessary for critical engagement. You will also have the opportunity to consolidate your learning into a creative cross-media project within your chosen media platform. |
Unit 1 |
Investigating Media Forms
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Unit 2 |
Media Forms and Products in Depth
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Unit 3 |
Cross-Media Production This component synthesises knowledge and understanding of the media theoretical framework gained throughout their course by requiring learners to apply their knowledge and understanding of the media synoptically to practical production. Students will create one of the following:
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Assessment AS |
2 Exams 1 Production |
Assessment A-Level |
2 Exams 1 Production |
Next steps - Careers/HE courses |
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Suggested links to resources |