Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective. This A Level course offers learners the chance to analyse a range of films, both as an art and as an industry. Students also get the chance to develop their practical and creative skills when they work on their own original short films. Students will also undertake peer mentoring within the practical element.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4, including Maths, with at least two at grade 6, and a minimum of grade 5 in English.
This A Level course is a great starting point for students wishing to embark on a University Course, or employment within the Film Industry. During the course, students will develop practical skills such as filming and editing, as well as the analytical toolset to move into creative and academic fields involved with film production, research and journalism.
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
American film since 2005 (two-film study)
British film since 1995 (two-film study).
Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives
Global film
Documentary film
Film movements – Silent cinema
Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000).
Component 3: Production
Either a short film or a screenplay for a short film plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay
Evaluation.
Planned Trips & Guest Speakers
Trips to Birmingham City University for practical film skills days. Trips to independent cinema for film screening and industry lectures.
Assessment
Two exams (2.5 hours each) 70% Coursework in the form of a short film or screenplay 30%.
