A Level Film Studies

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

Component 1 (35% of A-level) – Varieties of Film & Filmmaking

You will study three units in Component 1:

• Hollywood (1930-1990) investigating then changes in the American film industry, from Classical Hollywood (1930-1960) to New Hollywood (1961-1990);

• American film since 2005, investigating contemporary American films and the differences between mainstream Hollywood and independent productions;

• British film since 1995, investigating two British films focussing on how they create messages and reflect contexts.

Component 2 (35% of A Level) – Global filmmaking perspectives

You will study four units investigating a range of films from across the world:

• Global film, investigating films from Europe and further afield.

• Documentary film, investigating how documentaries create versions of ‘truth’.

• Silent cinema, investigating how early films created told stories without dialogue.

• Experimental film, investigating films that use non-traditional methods to create meanings.

Component 3 (30% of A Level)

You will create either a complete short film; or a script for a short film with an accompanying photo-storyboard. All work is individual, all images and footage needs to be created by you.

This course will be taught in a group with a teacher. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, creative projects as well as written work such as essays and research projects. Good Film students find the course challenging because it involves them in something that is both creative and academically rigorous.

Component 1 is assessed by a 2 ½ hour exam at the end of year 13.

Component 2 is assessed by a 2 ½ hour exam at the end of year 13.

Component 3 is controlled assessment starting in year 12, to be completed by spring term in year 13.

GCSE Grade 5 in Media or Film Studies. If you have not studied this subject at GCSE level you will need GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.

All universities and degree- awarding institutions recognise Film Studies A-level as a valid qualification. The transferable skills gained through the course are valuable in a wide range of careers including film & TV production; you will develop a problem solving approach to your learning, and a capacity to deal with challenging situations as well as building a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject that will be relevant to a whole range of studies.