Film Studies

Film Studies at Blenheim is designed to deepen the students’ understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film: the major art form of the twentieth century and a cultural form still of great significance at the beginning of the new millennium.

Students will study cinema as a medium, as an art form and as a social and economic institution. They will examine a wide range of different kinds of film, developing skills in observation, critical analysis and personal reflection. It is a blend of analytical and creative skills where students will evaluate the meaning and impact of film texts and produce their own creative projects.

At Blenheim we aim to enrich the student’s experience of the industry both in and out of the classroom context. We have had guest speakers visit Blenheim, as well as attending private film screenings in London, Q & A sessions with actors, directors and producers as well as regularly visiting the BFI to further complement the students’ exploration of Film Studies.

A level Film Studies

Course Details

The course is divided into 3 components:

Component 1: American and British Film (written examination - 35% of qualification)

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.

Section A: Classical Hollywood
Section B: Hollywood since the 1960s (two-film study)
Section C: Contemporary American independent film

Section D: British film (comparative study)

Component 2: Varieties of Film (written examination - 35% of qualification)

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films and one compilation of short films.

Section A: Film movements
Section B: Documentary film
Section C: Global film

Section D: Short film

Component 3: Production (non-exam assessment - 30% of qualification)

This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Students either make a short film or write a screenplay.

Link to course specification

Assessment

You are assessed on both coursework and two written exams (at the end of your second year). Your coursework is a combination of practical film making and a written reflective analysis. 

Enrichment opportunities

As part of the course students will have the opportunity to go to various film viewings and potential Q & A sessions with directors/writers. Students also have a chance to get involved with our film club, working with other sixth formers and younger students. 

Student quotes

The teacher directs, the lesson is the script, and the students are the actors. All of this combined enables students to have fun and obtain great results. You will never look at a film the same way.’  

Progression

If you are seeking a career in media or the film industry, further study and/or vocational training is often required. Many of our Film Studies students go on to study the subject at university. The A level is diverse in the skills explored and students regularly research, evaluate, lead and take part in discussion and debate, create presentations and produce essays. The skills gained throughout the course are transferrable to many higher education courses and careers, particularly the Arts, Humanities and English. 

Useful Links

The British Film Institute

The charity ‘Into film’ supports film education in schools

The London Film museum

The British Board of Classification

Internet Movie database

The UK film website that focuses on all areas of the industry.

 

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