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Film Studies

Film Studies Curriculum Information

Curriculum Intent

Film Studies offers students the opportunity to explore one of the most influential and engaging forms of modern storytelling. Through the study of a wide range of films, students develop analytical, creative and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how films reflect society, culture and human experience.

The course encourages students to think critically about the media they consume, examining how filmmakers use camera work, editing, sound and narrative to create meaning and influence audiences. Students also have the opportunity to apply these skills through practical production work, developing their own creative ideas and projects.

The course consists of three components:

Component 1: Key Developments in US Film - 35% of GCSE – Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)

Two US mainstream films from different periods
One from 1930–1960
One from 1961–1990
One US independent film
Developments in film and film technology
Skills assessed:
Film language (camera, editing, sound, mise-en-scène)
Representation
Context
Comparison between films
Film industry and technology developments

Component 2: Global Film – Narrative, Representation and Film Style -35% of GCSE – Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)

A contemporary UK film
A global English-language film
A global non-English-language film
Contemporary film production and style

Component 3: Production (Coursework/NEA) - 30% of GCSE

A screenplay with a shooting script and evaluative essay

Key Stage 4

Year 10 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Introduction to Film Studies including History of Film	E.T
How we assess	Initial baseline assessment to ensure early understanding and engagement	Exam style assessment that covers : narrative, characterisation, context, representation, technical analysis and theory

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Invasion of The Body Snatchers and comparison writing	The Hate U Give – Specialist Writing topic ( analysis of film reviews )
How we assess	Exam style assessment that covers : narrative, characterisation, context, representation, technical analysis and theory as well as an ability to compare	Exam style assessment that explores analysis of criticisms and reviews as well as an ability to infer and evaluate

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Coursework	Coursework
How we assess	A project that consists of researching, planning and producing a screenplay, shooting script and evaluative essay	A project that consists of researching, planning and producing a screenplay, shooting script and evaluative essay

Year 11 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

Half Term 1

Half Term 2

Knowledge

Continuation of Coursework

Slumdog Millionaire : A study of global films that encompasses: Narrative

Representation (gender, age, ethnicity, class, etc.)

Aesthetic style

Social and cultural contexts

Audience response

How we assess

A chance to respond to first draft feedback and make any necessary amendments to the coursework project

Class exam style written task

Spring Term

Half Term 3

Half Term 4

Knowledge

Attack the Block : A study of an independent British Film that encompasses: Narrative

Representation (gender, age, ethnicity, class, etc.)

Aesthetic style

Social and cultural contexts

Audience response

Tsotsi : A study of a foreign language film that encompasses: Narrative

Representation (gender, age, ethnicity, class, etc.)

Aesthetic style

Social and cultural contexts

Audience response

How we assess

Exam style assessment

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Revision	Revision
How we assess	Ongoing formative assessment	Ongoing formative assessment

Key Stage 4 useful resources

This could include websites, books etc.

WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies – Student Book - Revised Edition

by Jackie Newman , Dave Fairclough, et al. | 18 May 2023

Copies of the texts studied

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