Film Studies

Year 13

Our aim is to devise a Film curriculum that allows students to think critically about the world around them, analysing the visual and audio elements that form our way of life. Through the discovery of subject specific words and textual study – students will be able to explain the deeper meanings and effects created for an audience. During their two years studying IB Film students will engage with the four main skills of Film – Analysis, Research, Planning and Production – providing a sound and rounded understanding of the subject to take forward into further education or a career.

This course should enable students to:

Access all key concepts in year 13 whilst studying them in increasing complexity for the two years. In year 13 students study a variety of assessment topics in each module, allowing them time to embed a mixture of the previously mentioned key skills along with a particular media product focus before they move on.
Develop knowledge of the assessments, students are also required to plan and create practical pieces – based around four assessment briefs that range from textual analysis to video essay and film production. Students are responsible for applying all of the key skills they have obtained and using them creatively to produce a realistic and professional design.
Consolidate their learning across both disciplines in preparation for four final assessments in which they will test their knowledge theoretical, analytical and practical frameworks.

Implementation

Textual analysis

Externally assessed
Standard level – 30% of overall grade
Higher level – 20% of overall grade

Students at SL and HL demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how meaning is constructed in film. They do this through a written analysis of a prescribed film text based on a chosen extract (lasting no more than five minutes) from that film. Students consider the cultural context of the film and a variety of film elements.

Comparative study

Externally assessed
Standard level – 30% of overall grade
Higher level – 20% of overall grade

Students at SL and HL carry out research into a chosen area of film focus, identifying and comparing two films from within that area and presenting their discoveries as a recorded multimedia comparative study.

Film portfolio

Internally assessed
Standard level – 40% of overall grade
Higher level – 25% of overall grade

Students at SL and HL undertake a variety of film-making exercises in three film production roles, led by clearly defined filmmaker intentions. They acquire and develop practical skills and techniques through participation in film exercises, experiments and the creation of at least one completed film.

Collaborative film project (HL only)

Internally assessed
Higher level – 35% of overall grade

Bringing together all they have encountered during the film course, students at HL work collaboratively in a core production team to plan and create an original completed

Impact

Students will be supported with a number of different types of assessment materials to ensure they reach their full potential in their IB Film examinations and internal Coursework unit submissions including:

Teacher designed support guides and resources
Google drive folder containing all resources for students
Google classroom access including all guidance
Lesson by lesson electronic guidance

Schedule of Learning

Module 1: Collaborative Film Project
Module 2 : Editing Processes
Module 3: Assessment Criteria and Improvement
Module 4: Assessment Development

Exam Board Information

IB Film Course Overview

Additional Resources

Available via google drive

Module 1 – Expectations and introduction to skills to build group trust and rapport.
Module 2 – Page to stage – all elements of rehearsal techniques using a variety of mini scripts and styles.
Module 3 – Exploration and introduction to a) Naturalism and b) Political theatre

Module 4 – Exploration and introduction to a) Verbatim theatre and b) Forum theatre
Module 5 – Exploration and introduction to a) Neutral masks, b) Half masks and c) Full masks
Module 6 – Exploration and introduction to physical theatre (range of approaches)

Module 1 – Component 1: Specialise in THREE practitioners based on assessments in year 9. In depth analysis of THREE practitioners work and Practitioner 1
Module 2 – Practitioner 2.
Module 3 – Practitioner 3.

Module 4 – Component 2: Select ONE Practitioner for rehearsal and performance. Workshops in techniques.
Module 5 – Apply techniques to rehearsal of script extract
Module 6 – Perform scripted piece in given style.

Module 1 – Component 3: Workshops in devising techniques using various stimuli
Module 2 – Techniques in structuring devised piece of theatre
Module 3 – Exam brief released. Explore and develop ideas and apply structure and techniques.

Module 4 – Develop, rehearse and perform. As soon as coursework complete Students can be released to focus on core subjects.
Module 5 – All coursework submitted by May 15th. Students released to focus on other exams

Year 12
Year 13

Module 1 – Introduction to course and building trust and group dynamic. Unit 2 : Developing Skills & Techniques in Live Performance. Begin research into presentation/written report on ‘Working Life of An Actor’
Module 2 – Explore skills and techniques of practitioner 1.
Module 3 – Explore skills and techniques of practitioner 2. Apply to rehearsal of script

Module 4 – Rehearse and perform for final assessment of performance. External exam released: Unit 1: Investigating Practitioner’s work (5 weeks to prepare for controlled assessment).
Module 5 – Complete Unit 1 controlled assessment. Apply all knowledge of techniques to presentation/written report.
Module 6 – Complete and close Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques For Live Performance.

Module 1 – Unit 19: Acting Styles. Practical exploration of THREE practitioners. Select ONE for performance and apply skills and techniques through rehearsals.
Module 2 – Rehearse and final assessed performance for Unit 19. Optional retake of Unit 1 (highest grade taken by exam board) Paper released end of November.

Module 3 – External exam released – Unit 3: Group Performance. 12 weeks to create a devised piece based on stimulus from exam board. Develop ideas and structure.
Module 4 – Develop and rehearse.
Module 5 – Final Performance for Unit 3. All coursework submitted by May 15th and students released to other subjects.