Film Studies
Course Information
| Literacy |  |
|---|---|
| Numeracy |  |
| Communications |  |
| Creativity | |
| Practical | |
| Group Work |  |
| Examination Assessment | 70% |
| Non-Examination Assessment | 30% |
| EBacc | No |
| Examination Board | Eduqas |
| Course | GCSE |
General Information
Video Transcript
00:00:00
Hi, I'm here to talk to you about one of the most exciting creative subjects you can study, GCSE Film Studies.
00:00:08
Now, I know what you might be thinking, what, we just sit around and watch films for two years?
00:00:12
Well, yes, we do watch films, but we also learn how they work.
00:00:16
We discover how films are made, why they make us feel the way we do, and how you could create your own.
00:00:24
Film Studies is all about understanding the art, creativity and power behind the movies and shows we all love.
00:00:31
You'll explore how directors use camera shots, lighting, sound and editing to tell stories and how films reflect the world around us.
00:00:41
You also get to make your own short film idea and you will write a screenplay and a shooting script.
00:00:51
The course is broken into three components.
00:00:53
Component 1 is Key Developments in US Film.
00:00:56
So you'll study two American films, one classic and one modern, and we'll compare them.
00:01:01
And you'll learn how Hollywood has evolved over time, from the Lumiere brothers first moving pictures up to the present day.
00:01:08
We'll also look at a US independent film.
00:01:14
Component 2 is all about global film.
00:01:16
We look particularly at narrative representation and film style or aesthetics.
00:01:21
In this we will look at films that are both in the English language and in other languages and that cover a range of topics.
00:01:28
We also look at a UK film in this component.
00:01:33
Component three is the creative part.
00:01:35
You'll plan and produce a screenplay based on your own original idea and you'll write an accompanying shooting script and then an evaluation of your work.
00:01:45
This is your chance to step into the director's and screenwriter's chair.
00:01:54
So the skills that you will develop:
00:01:57
It's about helping you to think like a filmmaker.
00:02:00
So you'll think about how you are creating meaning through visuals and through sound.
00:02:05
You'll have to write creatively and critically and unpick what a director's choices are and why they've made the choices that they have.
00:02:13
We'll think about audiences and the film industry, and you will plan and produce your own film work.
00:02:23
In Film Studies lessons you'll watch, discuss, analyse and create.
00:02:28
Some days you'll be exploring how a director builds tension through editing, other days you might be storyboarding your own scene or even filming on an iPad.
00:02:36
It's creative, visual and hands-on.
00:02:39
Perfect if you like a mix of academic study and practical work.
00:02:44
Why choose Film Studies?
00:02:46
If you love films, stories, creativity, and visual media, this could be the course for you.
00:02:51
You don't have to be a film expert.
00:02:53
You just need curiosity, imagination, and an interest in how moving images can shape the way we see the world.
00:02:59
It's a subject that helps you think critically, write creatively, and express yourself visually.
00:03:04
So if you enjoy analysing stories, creating your own ideas, and understanding what makes great films great, GCSE Film Studies is an inspiring and rewarding choice.
00:03:14
It's creative, practical and deeply connected to the media that we consume every day.
00:03:19
Thank you for listening.
If you enjoy films and creativity, GCSE Film Studies could be the perfect choice for you.
You’ll explore how films tell stories, represent the world, and influence audiences. Through studying a range of Hollywood, British, and global films, you’ll learn how cinematography, sound, and editing create meaning — and you’ll get to produce your own short film or screenplay.
It’s a creative, practical subject that develops analysis, communication, and storytelling skills — ideal for anyone interested in media, English, or the arts. We will be following the Eduqas GCSE Film Studies course, which is made up of 3 components.
What Will I Need to Succeed?
To succeed in GCSE Film Studies, you need curiosity, creativity, and a genuine interest in how films work.
You don’t need to be a film expert, but you should enjoy analysing stories, discussing ideas, and thinking about how images and sound create meaning. Strong written skills will help you explain your ideas clearly, while imagination and attention to detail are key for the practical coursework when you plan and produce your own screenplay.
Most importantly, you should be open-minded, willing to experiment, and ready to work both independently and as part of a creative team.
Subject Content
Component 1: Key Developments in US Film (35%) – this involves the study of three set films, 2 mainstream films, and 1 independent film. It is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute exam.
Component 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style (35%) – this involves the study of 3 films, 1 global film in the English language, 1 global non English language film, and 1 contemporary UK film. It is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute exam.
Component 3: Production (30%) – This is the coursework element, for which students will produce an original screenplay and shooting script, and complete an evaluation of their work.
Exam Question
In Component 1 (Key Developments in U.S. Film), the highest mark question is worth 20 marks and is a question in which you compare 2 mainstream Hollywood films. For example:
Compare how the time of production has had an effect on the films you have studied. In your answer you may consider:
- social, cultural contexts (for example, changing attitudes, representations and beliefs)
- historical, political contexts (for example, key events at the time production context (for example, changes to how films were made). [20]
Pupils are expected to:
- Use subject-specific terminology
- Refer to examples from the set films
Write clearly and coherently, addressing each of the bullet points.
What Careers Can Film Studies Lead To After Leaving Swanmore College?
Creative and Media Careers – Film director, screenwriter, cinematographer, production designer, costume/make-up designer, sound designer, casting director, storyboard artist
Journalism and Communication Careers – Film critic/reviewer/journalist, media researcher, PR and marking for Film or TV, Social media manager
Broadcast and Entertainment Careers - TV or online content producer, TV presenter, broadcast technician, video content creator
Other sectors – Marketing and advertising, event and festival management, media consultancy, Arts administration, film studies teacher/lecturer, media researcher, game designer, Photo journalist, creative roles in museums, galleries or cultural heritage projects.