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WJEC GCSE Film Studies Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free WJEC GCSE Film Studies past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. US and global film analysis, narrative and representation. 32 resources.

Papers Overview Paper Structure Key Info Key Topics Command Words Grade Boundaries Revision Tips Try AI Tutor ✦

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32 of 32 resources — page 1 of 2

Summer 2023

7 files

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Past Paper – Summer 2023

Past Paper

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Past Paper – Summer 2023

Past Paper

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

Modified Paper

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📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

Modified Paper

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✅

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Mark Scheme – Summer 2023

Mark Scheme

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✅

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Mark Scheme – Summer 2023

Mark Scheme

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Summer 2022

8 files

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Mark Scheme – Summer 2022

Mark Scheme

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✅

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Mark Scheme – Summer 2022

Mark Scheme

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📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

Download

📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

Download

📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

Download

📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Past Paper – Summer 2022

Past Paper

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Past Paper – Summer 2022

Past Paper

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Autumn 2021

2 files

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Past Paper – Autumn 2021

Past Paper

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✅

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Mark Scheme – Autumn 2021

Mark Scheme

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Autumn 2020

4 files

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GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Mark Scheme – Autumn 2020

Mark Scheme

Download

✅

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Mark Scheme – Autumn 2020

Mark Scheme

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Past Paper – Autumn 2020

Past Paper

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Past Paper – Autumn 2020

Past Paper

Download

Summer 2019

4 files

📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style [ Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2019

Modified Paper

Download

📋

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film [ Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2019

Modified Paper

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 2 Global Film: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style – Past Paper – Summer 2019

Past Paper

Download

📄

GCSE Film Studies – Comp 1 US Film: Key Developments in US Film – Past Paper – Summer 2019

Past Paper

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Analysing Cinema from Hollywood Blockbusters to Global Independent Film

WJEC GCSE Film Studies develops critical understanding of film as an art form, an industry, and a means of cultural expression. The qualification examines films from different historical periods, countries, and production contexts, developing students' ability to analyse how meaning is created through cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, sound, and performance. Component 1 (Key Developments in US Film) is a written examination focusing on the Hollywood studio system, mainstream US film, and independent American cinema. Students study set films that represent different periods and genres, analysing how narrative, representation, and film language have evolved. Component 2 (Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style) is a written examination exploring non-English-language and non-US cinema, developing students' ability to analyse films from different cultural traditions. Component 3 is a practical production component where students create their own short film or screenplay extract, applying the filmmaking techniques they have studied. This coursework element connects theoretical knowledge to practical skills. The specification balances close textual analysis of individual scenes with broader understanding of film as a cultural product — how films reflect and shape social attitudes, how the film industry operates, and how audiences respond to different cinematic approaches. This archive contains 32 resources from Autumn 2020 to Summer 2023.

Exam Paper Structure

Component 1No calculator

Key Developments in US Film

⏱ Written examination🎯 marks📊 35% of grade

Hollywood studio systemMainstream and independent US filmNarrative and genreRepresentation and ideology

Component 2No calculator

Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style

⏱ Written examination🎯 marks📊 35% of grade

Non-English-language filmNational cinema traditionsCultural context and filmmakingComparative analysis

Component 3No calculator

Production

⏱ Coursework🎯 marks📊 30% of grade

Short film or screenplayApplication of film techniquesCreative intention and evaluation

Key Information

Exam Board	WJEC
Qualification	GCSE
Grading Scale	A*–G
Assessment Type	2 written papers + 1 practical production
Component 1	Written exam — Key Developments in US Film
Component 2	Written exam — Global Film
Component 3	Practical production — film or screenplay
Available Sessions	Autumn 2020 – Summer 2023
Total Resources	32

Key Topics in Film Studies

Topics you need to know

Cinematography and camera workEditing techniques and rhythmMise-en-scène and visual designSound design and musicNarrative structure and genreRepresentation and ideologyFilm industry and production contexts

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
Analyse	Examine how specific film techniques create meaning in the given scene or sequence
Explore	Investigate how the film represents a theme, character type, or social group
Compare	Identify similarities and differences between two films or scenes, focusing on specified aspects
How does the filmmaker...	Identify specific techniques (camera, editing, sound, mise-en-scène) and explain their effects
Evaluate	Assess the effectiveness of filmmaking choices in creating meaning or engaging the audience
Refer to	Your answer must include specific examples from the named film or scene

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Grade A*	76–86%
Grade A	64–75%
Grade B	52–63%
Grade C	40–51%
Grade D	28–39%

⚠️ Typical boundaries across written and practical components. Actual boundaries vary by series.

Frame-Level Analysis, Industry Context, and Comparing National Cinema Traditions

Close textual analysis of set films is the core skill. Practise analysing individual scenes in detail: how does the camera angle create meaning? What does the editing rhythm tell us about the narrative? How does the mise-en-scène (set design, lighting, costume, props) establish character and atmosphere? Use precise film terminology — don't write 'the camera moves' when you mean 'a tracking shot follows the character from left to right'. For Component 1, understand how US cinema has evolved. Know the key features of the studio system era (genre conventions, star system, production code), the New Hollywood revolution of the 1970s (auteur directors, darker themes, unconventional narratives), and contemporary mainstream and independent cinema. Your set films should be understood within their historical and industrial context. For Component 2, approach global films on their own terms rather than comparing them unfavourably to Hollywood conventions. Different national cinemas have different storytelling traditions — a slow-paced Iranian film is not 'boring' but is using duration and observation as artistic tools. Discuss how cultural context shapes filmmaking choices: censorship, funding models, audience expectations, and political conditions all influence the films that are made. For the practical production, demonstrate your understanding of film language through your own creative choices. Annotate your production work with written commentary explaining why you chose specific shots, angles, and editing decisions.

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WJEC GCSE Film Studies Past Papers & Mark Schemes

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Summer 2023

Summer 2022

Autumn 2021

Autumn 2020

Summer 2019

Analysing Cinema from Hollywood Blockbusters to Global Independent Film

Exam Paper Structure

Key Information

Key Topics in Film Studies

Exam Command Words

Typical Grade Boundaries

Frame-Level Analysis, Industry Context, and Comparing National Cinema Traditions

More WJEC GCSE Subjects

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Applied Science (Single Award)

Art and Design

Biology

Built Environment

Business

Chemistry

Computer Science

Design and Technology

Digital Technology

Drama

Electronics

English Language

English Literature

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French

Geography

Geology

German

History

Latin

Mathematics-Numeracy

Mathematics

Media Studies

Music

Physical Education (Short Course)

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Physics

Religious Studies

Science (Double Award)

Sociology

Spanish

Welsh Language (Cymraeg Iaith)

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