Film Studies - The Hundred of Hoo Academy

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KS4: GCSE Film Studies

Vision Statement

In the Media and film department we have a profound belief in the transformative power of film studies. Our GCSE curriculum is meticulously crafted to inspire, challenge, and empower students to become critical thinkers, adept communicators, and active participants in an ever-evolving global society.

In studying film, students embark on a dynamic journey through creativity, culture, and communication. They explore the multifaceted nature of film form, analysing how they shape and reflect the world around us. From dissecting cinematic techniques to exploring the construction and representation of characters, our curriculum cultivates a deep understanding of the complex relationship between film and society.

Beyond academic rigour, our GCSE program fosters invaluable skills essential for success in the 21st century. Students refine their ability to write critically and analytically, articulate ideas, express themselves creatively, and collaborate effectively – skills that are not only indispensable in academia but also highly sought after in today’s competitive job market.

Pupils enjoy a range of tasks, activities and discussions about film, to really instil a passion for learning as well as the opportunity to make individual choices about coursework in both subject matter and creative decisions.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Component 1: Key Developments in US Film

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% of qualification 70 marks

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three US films. Assessment consists of four questions on one pair of US mainstream films and one US independent film. The questions will be a combination of stepped questions, a comparison question, questions on the development of film and one question on an independent film.

Component 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three global films produced outside the US. Assessment consists of three stepped questions about each of the three films.

Component 3: Production

Non-exam assessment 30% of qualification

This component assesses the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of film to a production and its accompanying evaluative analysis.

Learners produce: A genre-based film extract (either from a film or from a screenplay) and an evaluative analysis of the production, where learners analyse and evaluate their production in relation to professionally-produced films or screenplays.