The course is arranged into 4 assessment units from 2008.  Some of the topics are:

Film Form
Making meaning and spectator response: two pieces of film analysis and a creative unit.

Producers & Audience:

Hollywood and British Cinema

Industry knowledge from both perspectives.

Messages & Values:

British and Irish Cinema

Individual Research Project & creative work

Studies in World Cinema

Critical Studies: Issues and Debates

Some of the main features of our A level Film Studies course are:

•             Film as a major social and artistic form today: film texts drawn from the full range of periods and genres.

•             Deeper understanding of the medium and an ability to describe the form in terms of the cinematic codes.

•             Greater appreciation and enjoyment of film within the contexts of producers and audiences.

•             Ways of observing and critically analysing film will be developed through viewing, discussion, theory and practice.

•             Coursework counts for 50% of the assessment and is a mix of creative tasks, analysis and individual research.

•             Specialist teaching by trained graduates in English and Film Studies.

•             High results. Most students stayed on to A2, achieving grades A and B.

You should bring to this course:

•             Enjoyment of Film together with an open mind on unfamiliar Films and world cinema

•             Pleasure in learning new concepts

•             Sound ability in written English (GCSE grade B) and textual study (English Literature)

•             Really strong motivation to organise your study effectively

This course will help you to be:

•             Skilled in analysis and interpretation

•             Confident in forming your own responses

•             More aware of the world about us and how its representation is constructed on film

•             Better qualified for University Entrance and beyond

Other points to bear in mind:

•             There is a close relationship between Film Studies,  A level English Language and A level English Literature. 

•             A level film Studies provide a base for university study in Film Theory, Film Criticism and Film History. It has a high profile with universities for its strong analytical and theoretical content.  Some universities require A level English Literature for entry to their Film Degree Courses. 

•             The way the course is organised and taught fully supports the school’s aim to develop confident adults whose academic and personal qualities enable them to establish themselves in the world.