Film Studies students will investigate a variety of films in order to reach an understanding and basic evaluation of how meaning is created.  The core study elements surrounding all the films involved analyse films based upon their key elements, meaning and response and context of the film. Alongside each film there will also be specialist study areas. Year 12 will act as an introduction to the production element of the course in which students will gain the skills need to film and edit a short film which they will create in Year 13.

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

The examination assesses students on their knowledge and understanding of six feature length films.  Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (Comparative study), Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study) and Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study). The examination focuses of the core study elements alongside theories surrounding spectatorship, narrative, ideology and Auteur. 

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

The examination assesses students on their knowledge and understanding of five feature length films. Section A: Global film (two-film study), Section B: Documentary film, Section C: Film movements- Silent cinema, Section D: Film movements- experimental. The examination focuses on the core study elements alongside theories surrounding narrative, auteur, critical debates and filmmakers.

Component 3: Short Film Production Non-exam assessment

Students sit examinations in their Film Studies course at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of Year 12 to determine suitability to continue with the subject in Year 13. Students who do not meet the required pass grade in the Year 12 end of year examinations will not be permitted to progress into Year 13.

Film Studies is assessed in two ways on the A Level course. The coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated, whilst the exam is externally assessed and moderated.  This approach in Film Studies integrates theoretical and practical approaches by requiring students to write about their coursework experiences in the synoptic examinations.  It also insists upon the importance of a full understanding of how films create meaning which the students will analyse in the exam, and show their understanding through the production of a short film.

The coursework involves researching existing short films, planning, creating and evaluating the completed product.

The course requires you to be Creative, Analytical and Hard-Working! And of course a passion for films is a must!

Students require a grade 5 or above in English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE. If it has been taken students require a grade 6 in Film Studies GCSE. Students who have not taken Film Studies require a grade 6 in a related subject such as Media GCSE.

Film Studies A Level can be continued at University level or at specialist collages. Students can become involved in the theory or practical elements of Film. Film Studies shows that a student is creative, academic and artistic. Future career paths could be Journalism, Filmmaker and working within the Education sector.