Film Studies

Applications open: 3rd November 2025

Applications close: 21st July 2026

Please make all applications through Kent Choices.

If you have any questions please email sixthform@fulstonmanor.kent.sch.uk.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Film is the major art form of the twentieth century, and one developing new modes of expression and exhibition in the first decades of the twenty-first century. In giving students the opporunity to study significant film movements and aspects of national cinemas, it is intended that an interest in film culture will be fostered which can be taken forward in lifelong learning. With its options in creative work, it opens up the study of film aesthetics and film form, as well as broader political and ethical issues through experiential learning. Career opportunities are numerous and could include work within the film and television industry, journalism, advertising and education, as well as many other options.

The specification is additionally designed to reflect the diversity of film culture through both film makers and the films they make. The wide choice of films offered includes films by women directors and films which represent particular ethnic and cultural experiences. Over forty films are offered from which eleven feature-length films will be chosen. In addition, a compliation of seven short films will be studied.

AIMS OF THE COURSE:

To deepen students understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film, the major art form of the twentieth century, and one developing new modes of expression and exhibition in the first decades of the twenty-first century.

To enable students to study film deriving from a variety of production contexts and experienced in a a variety of viewing situations.

To develop skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection, as well as developing their creativity and practical skills, either in adio-visual or written form.

Component 1: American andBritish Film. This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature length films

Component2: Varieties of film. This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films and one compliation of short films.

Component 3: Production. This component assessed one production and its evaluative analysis. Learners produce: either a) as short film (4-5 minutes) or b) a screenplay for a short film and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay, plus an evaluative analysis (1250-1500 words).

70% External Examination, 30% Internal assessment.

To be accepted on the A Level course, a student should have at least 5 GCSE's at grades 9-5 (or equivalent). a strong English Language and Literature background and an interest in film and cinema are highly desirable.

Further and Higher Education: The qualification can lead to a number of different courses, including Media Studies, Journalism, TV Production, Scriptwriting, Creative Writing and, of course, Film Studies. Employment: Career opportunities are numerous and could include work within the film and television industry, journalism, advertising and education, as well as many other options.