Film, A Level (Level 3)

Applications Open: - 1st October 2025

Interviews: From January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths. Please check specific courses for their entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via KentChoices

For any other information & enquiries please contact Miss Moore on rmoore@wrotham.kent.sch.uk and/or Mr Elphick on relphick@wrotham.kent.sch.uk

At the root of all film studies is a recognition that films are made; they are constructed using a range of elements which are organised structurally in terms of narrative and genre. How filmmakers use these elements is a large part of what constitutes the formal study of film. Equally important is how spectator response, relevant contexts, critical approaches and debates. In turn, these formal studies have a direct impact on learners’ own work. We teach to the WJEC A Level Film Studies qualification. A-Level Film Studies allows students to engage in a theoretical and practical exploration of films that aren’t often part of mainstream consumption. It introduces students to a broad range of theoretical concepts that have cross curricular relevance to the study of other A level subjects including English Literature, Art and Psychology.

If taken, students will need to choose two other level 3 qualifications and will be requested to do our mandatory enrichment programme. This programme covers a range of different employment skills, other qualifications and experiences that students can use for their post 18 destinations.

Year 1

- Component 1: American Film (Written Exam) – 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of three American films.

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)

Section B: Contemporary American independent film

- Component 2: European Film (Written Exam) – 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of two British films and one non-English language European film.

Section A: British Film (two film study)

Section B: Non-English language European film.

- Component 3: Production (Non-exam assessment) – 30% of qualification

This component assesses one production and its accompanying evaluative analysis.

Production (20%)

Evaluative analysis (10%)

Year 2:

- Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking (Written exam) – 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature length films (4 of which are studied at AS level in year 1).

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 exam) – 35% of qualification

This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films, or their equivalent (one of which is studies at AS level in year 1)

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 (Non-exam assessment) – 30% of qualification

This component assesses one production and its accompanying evaluative analysis.

Production (20%)

Evaluative analysis (10%)

70% written examination (externally marked) and 30% Production coursework

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and Literature

CLEARING MESSAGE: Students who miss out on entry requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis – please contact us to find out what we can do for you.

Through the study of film you will develop analytical, creative and technical skills alongside a range of other highly transferable skills including: researching, time management, critical thinking and project management.

Career options within film are diverse and span across a range of industries. These include: producing, directing, cinematography, marketing, editing, sound, lighting, screenwriting, broadcasting and journalism, advertising, researching, curating, PR, the arts, academia.