Film Studies

Curriculum Intent

The main purpose behind this course is to foster a deep understanding of the ways in which film both reflects and shapes the world around us.

What will you study?

You will study films from a variety of national cinemas and genres, including American, British and Global cinema. Through a blend of critical analysis, creative exploration, and historical context, the course aims to develop you into informed, independent thinkers with the skills to deconstruct the visual and narrative language of cinema. Through detailed analysis, you will learn how films are constructed, considering aspects such as narrative, character, mise en scène, cinematography, sound and editing. Films studied include Vertigo, Alien, Get Out, Trainspotting, This is England, Pan’s Labyrinth and City of God. 

Paper One

• Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study) :The study of two Hollywood films, one from the Classical Hollywood period and one from the the New Hollywood period.

• Section B: American Film since 2012 (two-film study): The study of two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film. 

• Section C: British Film since 1995 (two-film study): The study of two British films released since 1995.

Paper Two

• Section A: Global film (two film study): One film produced in Europe and one film produced outside of Europe.

• Section B: Documentary film - The study of one documentary film. 

• Section C: Film movements - Silent Cinema  : The study of one silent film.

• Section D: Film movements - Experimental film (1960-2001): The study of one ‘experimental film.’

Coursework 

• A screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay. 

•  An evaluative analysis (1600 - 1800 words).

How is the course assessed?

• Paper One: 35%

• Paper Two: 35%

• Coursework: 30%

Entry requirements

A Grade 5 in either English Language or Literature.

Why study Film Studies at Windsor Sixth Form?

Staff are passionate, knowledgeable educators who have a deep love for cinema and bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom. Staff have studied Film at degree level and have a broad understanding of the theory, history, and practical aspects of filmmaking. They are not just educators but also avid film lovers. 

Other courses and further studies

Other courses that go well with Film Studies:

Art and design

Drama 

English Language 

English Literature 

History 

Psychology

Sociology 

Further study and apprenticeships: 

The skills and content you will learn on this course are highly adaptable and can be applied to a number of different routes and opportunities when you finish Sixth Form. 

University courses:

• Film 

• English (Literature, Language or Language and Literature)

• Creative writing

• Journalism 

• Media 

• Psychology 

• Politics 

• Media 

• Photography

• Design
  
  

Apprenticeships: 

 A wide range of apprenticeships are available that can give you hands-on experience at working in roles in Film and TV production. Areas may include:

• Animation 

• Editing 

• Costume design 

• Camera technician 

• Content production 

Careers: Where could Film Studies take you?

• Animation 

• Cinematography

• Camera operating 

• Film directing

• Film/video editor 

• Location manager 

• Journalism

• Marketing

• Media researcher 

• Production designer 

• Screenwriting

• Sound engineer 

• Special effects technician 

• VFX artist