Film Studies
Film Studies is a course for students who enjoy analysing and discussing texts. You will explore what it means to be a spectator of film and examine the methods directors use to create messages and meaning. Through close analysis of mise en scène, cinematography, sound and other film techniques, you will develop your understanding of a range of genres and film forms.
Year 12
In Year 12 you are introduced to the core skills of film analysis and key areas of study. You begin with an introduction to film analysis and a single global film study, developing your ability to explore how film form creates meaning.
You then move on to British film, including a two-text study and work on documentary film form, before being introduced to the NEA and the study of American film. Throughout the year you will analyse a range of films from different genres, directors and contexts.
Year 13
In Year 13 you deepen your understanding through a comparative Hollywood study and the exploration of experimental film, alongside continued work on your NEA. You also prepare for the final examinations by revisiting and consolidating key films, concepts and critical approaches.
Across the course students are expected to write analytical and critical essays about the films they study. Lessons include regular film screenings, with an expectation that students make detailed notes on the specialist study areas. Independent analytical work and wider reading around the contexts of the selected exam texts are also an essential part of the course.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Assessment combines written examinations with an NEA, where students work independently to create their own screenplay or produce a short film, demonstrating both critical understanding and creative application of film techniques.
Opportunities
Film Studies is an essay-based subject that helps prepare you for the academic rigour of degree-level study. It can support progression into a wide range of university courses, particularly Media, Film or Television, and related disciplines.
The course also provides an excellent foundation for careers within the ever-growing film and television industries, as well as roles that value strong analytical, critical and communication skills.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 4 in English.
Film Studies (A-Level)
Film Studies is designed for students who enjoy analysing and discussing texts. It offers the chance to explore what it means to be a spectator of film and to consider the methods employed by directors to create messages and meaning. Through close analysis of mise en scène, cinematography, sound and other techniques, students develop their understanding of a wide range of genres and forms of film.
Year 12
Students are introduced to film analysis and complete a single global film study. They then move on to British film, including a two-text study and work on documentary film form, and are introduced to the NEA and American film.
Year 13
Students study a comparative Hollywood module and experimental film, alongside continued NEA work and preparation for examinations. They are expected to write analytical and critical essays about the films they study, attend regular film screenings and complete independent analysis and wider reading around the contexts of the selected exam texts.
Assessment Components
Assessment is through written examinations and an NEA. The NEA allows students to create their own screenplay or short film, applying the knowledge and skills they have gained.
Opportunities
Film Studies prepares students for degree-level study and can lead to courses in Media, Film or Television. It also supports progression into careers in the film and television industries and other areas that value strong critical and analytical skills.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 4 in English.