WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies specification (C670)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies (C670) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Film Studies offers learners the opportunity to engage with a powerful visual and emotional medium through the critical and creative study of a broad range of films. This qualification is designed to develop learners’ understanding of how films reflect the social, cultural, political, historical, technological, and institutional contexts in which they are made. Through analysis and production, learners build knowledge of film form, genre, and narrative structure, while exploring representation and aesthetic style. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and an appreciation for diverse cinematic traditions, supporting progression to further education and careers in media and the arts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
- Study three US films: one comparative pair of mainstream genre films (1930–1960 and 1961–1990) and one recent US independent film.
- Explore genre, narrative, cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound, and historical, social and institutional contexts.
- Comparative film pairs include: Dracula and The Lost Boys, Singin' in the Rain and Grease, among others.
- Independent film options include: Juno, The Hurt Locker, Whiplash, Ladybird, The Hate U Give.
- Study of key developments in film technology from silent cinema to CGI and IMAX.
Component 2: Global Film – Narrative, Representation and Film Style
- Study three films: one global English language, one global non-English language, and one UK film (all post-2010).
- Global English focus: narrative (e.g. Slumdog Millionaire, The Babadook, District 9).
- Global non-English focus: representation (e.g. Tsotsi, Wadjda, Girlhood).
- UK film focus: aesthetics (e.g. Skyfall, Rocks, Attack the Block).
Component 3: Production
- Create either a filmed extract (2–2.5 mins) or a screenplay (800–1000 words) in one of five genres: science fiction, romance, horror, teenage film, action.
- Accompany with a 750–850 word evaluative analysis linking to comparable professional films.
- Develop understanding of genre conventions, cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène and sound.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of GCSE.
- Section A: Three questions on two US mainstream films (comparison focus).
- Section B: One short-response question on historical developments in film and technology.
- Section C: Extended response on a US independent film, referencing specialist writing.
- AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application) assessed; extended responses reward AO2 more heavily.
Component 2: Global Film – Narrative, Representation and Film Style
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of GCSE.
- Section A: Global English film – focus on narrative.
- Section B: Global non-English film – focus on representation.
- Section C: Contemporary UK film – focus on aesthetics.
- Each section has a stepped question leading to an extended response.
- AO1 and AO2 assessed in all sections.
Component 3: Production
- Non-exam assessment: 30% of GCSE.
- Create film extract or screenplay with accompanying shooting script.
- Evaluative analysis required, analysing learner's work in comparison with professional examples.
- AO2 (10%) and AO3 (20%) assessed; creativity, genre knowledge, and application of film techniques are central.
Assessment Objectives Weighting
- AO1 (knowledge and understanding): 30%
- AO2 (application and analysis): 50%
- AO3 (creative production): 20%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Film Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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