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 including the Extended Project Qualification (useful for additional UCAS points and developing research skills).

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 film studies and English language.

If no previous study of film, students will need grade 6 in GCSE English language and literature

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.