The email below regarding changes to A-level will be of particular interest to academics in the UK.
Best,
Shelley
Dr Shelley Cobb
English and Film
Faculty of Humanities
University of Southampton
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/english/about/staff/sc1p07.page
From: Andrew Moor <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: Andrew Moor <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2014 16:07
To: "[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: Opportunity NOW to defend A Level Film and Media Studies
Dear list subscribers:
In view of the revision of existing A Levels (including Film Studies and Media Studies), we would like to highlight that Ofqual now have a consultation period ‘window’ which closes on 30 July. On our members’ behalf, the BAFTSS Executive Committee has liaised with WJEC (the exam board which till recently was the only one to offer Film Studies A Level), and is now writing to OfQual to argue for the distinctiveness and the significance of Film Studies. While film is a minority subject in terms of numbers of candidates, we agree with WJEC that educational arguments can be made to defend the subject, and will emphasise that these are the values which should inform decisions about which subjects are offered at A Level. Of particular concern are the oft-mooted distinctions to be made between Media Studies and Film Studies. Differentiating between these two areas will reinforce the case for maintaining them both.
What can you do?: Complete the Questionnaire:
This is the link to the OfQual online consulation: http://ofqual.gov.uk/news/gcse-level-reform-consultation/
What else can you do: Writing to Ofqual
This is your opportunity to argue passionately for the subject on behalf of students in the future! Send your letters to Ofqual at:
Completing GCSE, AS and A level Reform Consultation,
Ofqual, Spring Place,
Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue,
COVENTRY CV5 6UB
Aspects you may wish to raise with Ofqual (these are suggestions which came from WJEC):
· Clarify that the consultation document provides no opportunity to argue for the continuance of Film Studies at GCSE, AS and A level and you are thus writing in support of the subject.
· Importance of subject to your students (examples).
· Level of demand at both GCSE and A level in contrast to the popular perceptions of the subject. The range of topics which are studied at GCSE and A level is extending for students.
· The subject involves more than a study of mainstream popular film.
· Film shapes, arguably constructs, the terms of people’s perceptions, the way people think, their attitudes, values and beliefs. Students need to understand the role of film in that process.
· Importance of combining analytical and creative work, ‘theory and practice’.
· Film as a cultural resource and way of gaining access to experiences and cultures, raising issues relevant to society today.
· Demanding nature of assessment already: GCSE involves extended writing which motivates many to improve their linguistic abilities; A level examinations are currently two substantial essay-based examination papers. Both subjects include assessment of research skills.
Best wishes
Andrew Moor, on behalf of BAFTSS EC.
Dr Andrew Moor,
Reader in Cinema History and Theory, Acting Vice-Chair, BAFTSS
Department of English,
Room 406, Geoffrey Manton Building,
Manchester Metropolitan University,
Manchester M15 6HQ
0161 247 3015
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[s200_andrew.moor]
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