Full name of specification
WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) in Film Studies
Exam board specification link
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/sjyhrqeu/eduqas-gcse-film-studies-spec-from-2017-e-27-09-22.pdf
Why study this course?
The WJEC Eduqas specification in GCSE Film Studies is 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. Learners will develop their knowledge of US mainstream film by studying one film from the 1950s and one film from the later 70s and 80s, thus looking at two stages in Hollywood’s development. In addition, they will be studying more recent films – a US independent film as well as films from Europe, including the UK, South Africa and Australia.
What will I learn?
Each of the examined topics is broken down, below, showing you how the sequence of learning developed across the two years of GCSE Film Studies.
Creative Production (NEA)
We study genre films and the key components of an opening sequence, we focus on film form and narrative structure. Students will produce their own film extract in the form of a screenplay or a 2-minute film extract.
Contemporary UK Film
This topic focuses on the aesthetics of film, key issues and contexts are also explored during this topic. We study Attack the Block, looking at genre, style and the ‘look’ of the film, exploring key sequences and applying knowledge of film form.
US Comparative
This topic focuses on two Hollywood films from 1950s-80s with a comparison between two films. The focus is film form, contexts, representation and genre. We study Vertigo and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Global – English language film
A closer look at narrative, film form and context in relation to Slumdog Millionaire.
Global – non-English language film
A study of a foreign film with a focus on representation of age, gender and place. Analysing film form and forming a discussion on how meaning and response is created.
US Independent film
An exploration of an independent film with a focus on a specialist piece of writing. Taking a critical view of the film and forming an argument to support or counter the film review.
How is it assessed?
You will sit two formal exams at the end of the year 11 and produce a creative production for the NEA.
How will this prepare me?
GCSE Film Studies offers you the opportunity to develop a variety of skills that are applicable to a number of areas of study.
The abilities that GCSE Film Studies will help you to develop include:
- critical thinking and analytical skills, including thinking creatively
- independence, including the ability to conduct detailed planning and research
- ability to construct an argument and communicate findings in a clear and persuasive manner, both orally and in writing
- ability to work without direct supervision and manage time and priorities effectively
- ability to discuss ideas in groups, and to negotiate, question and summarise
- appreciation of the different factors that influence the activities of groups and individuals in society.
Additional activities within this subject
Production work is a central part of this specification. Learners will therefore be given the opportunity to create their own film or screenplay through producing genrebased extracts. This will enable them to apply all that they have learnt about film to filmmaking or screenwriting as well as provide learners with a fresh, filmmaking perspective on the films studied.