Film Studies

The Film Studies course focuses on the craft of artistry of film. Sixth Formers on the A level Film course take part in lively discussions with peers and independently reflect on the value of film as an artistic medium. In addition to celebrating students’ own interests in film, the course is designed to introduce students to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. The two-year course covers mainstream American films from the past and present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films, global films and a variety of film movements including silent film and experimental film. Students are treated as prospective filmmakers, with the aim of developing their own creative and artistic sensibilities through exposure to and critical engagement with different kinds of film and filmmaking practices.

Course Content

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking (Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes) 35% of the qualification.

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)

Section B: American film since 2005 (two film study)

Section C: British film since 1995 (two film study)

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives (Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes) 35% of the qualification

Section A: Global film (two film study)

Section B: Documentary film

Section C: Film Movements (Silent Cinema)

Section D: Film Movements (Experimental Film: 1960-2000)

Component 3: Production (NEA/coursework) 30% of the qualification

This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Students produce either a short film (4-5 minutes in length) or a screenplay for a short film and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section.

Films studied on the course include: Vertigo, Bonnie and Clyde, Captain Fantastic, La La Land, Pan’s Labyrinth, City of God, Shaun of the Dead, Trainspotting, Pulp Fiction, Amy, a selection of Buster Keaton shorts, and a selection of short films.

Career Opportunities

The A Level Film Studies course helps students to develop a number of skills which are highly sought after by both potential future employers and higher education institutions including critical thinking, analytical writing, reasoning, verbal communication, as well as technical skills. Many Film students go on to forge successful careers in the arts and culture sector including the film industry, broadcasting, journalism, publishing, advertising and marketing, photography and design.