This Film Studies site will engage with the new WJEC syllabus as it is introduced in September 2008/9.The process of engagement will be a gradual one as we bed into the new demands of a slightly altered syllabus. Material relating to the “old” advanced level film studies will remain only in as far as it may have some general relevance to larger than exam boards’ notion as to what Film Studies is “about”. Visitors should be aware that a deal of out of date data relating to the old syllabus will still be found in areas of the site, beware therefore..... Our best wishes to all those embarking on this venture. If anyone has queries or problems with the site please contact us here

Film is culturally very important and this course aims to introduce students to the richness of cinema in terms of understanding and the breadth on offer beyond Hollywood.   It is primarily theoretical but both AS and A2 carry a practical element.

What are the Entry Requirements?

5 GCSEs A* - C.   While it is not necessary for students to have taken GCSE Media Studies, those who have done so will be required to attain at least a C grade.

How will I be Assessed?

AS level

Students will learn how to read individual films and look at films in general, through genre and narrative.  In addition, they will analyse how audiences make sense of films. The coursework is assessed by close analysis of two films and by the creation of an outline, which will include visual ideas, of a film of their own creation.

The final part focuses on the messages and values of British and/or Irish cinema on a particular topic assessed by a terminal examination.

A2 level

The first part extends the reading of film by studying a particular director and considering the constraints created by institutional factors in creating film.   The influence of stars and film studios are considered.   The coursework is assessed by a student’s own study of a director and one creative task, either journalism, scriptwriting or film/video making.

World Cinema is studied with a specific case study assessed by a 1½ hour terminal examination.   The final part of the course will focus on social and economic issues.   These will include such factors as feminism and censorship and will be assessed by a 2 hour terminal examination.  For more details click on the green WJEC logo below

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