Film Studies A Level

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

What is the course about?

Film Studies is primarily an academic, rather than practical subject in which the candidate will study and appreciate cinema on a number of levels: as an entertainment form, as an expressive art and as a powerful multi-million dollar industry. The study will focus on the formal properties of cinema (cinematography, editing, lighting etc), movie audiences, the film producers themselves as well as key movements/periods in cinema history. The subject is fun and exciting but also stimulating and demanding.

For whom is the course suitable?
There is no requirement for GCSE Media or Film Studies to study the course; however, it is recommended that candidates should have at least grade 6 in English Language or Literature if they are to cope with the academic demands of the specification.

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment
The teaching of Film Studies centres around discussion and students are expected to take an active part in this. Lessons will take the form of teacher- led discussion, student- led discussion, presentations, essay writing skills and reading skills. Homework will be regular reading and wider independent reading along with preparing presentations and essays. Students will also be expected to watch and critique a wide range of films in their own time.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

As a broad Arts subject, Film Studies can often lead to a wide range of careers and degree courses. Some of these could include working in Film/TV production companies, Commercial Galleries, Craft & Design Institutions, Advertising/Marketing Arts Organisations, Civil Service Departments and Universities/Colleges/Schools.

Method of Study and Assessment

A Level Course

Unit 1 – Film History - a study of 3 US films from a set list from the silent era to 1990. Also a study of 2 set films from two major European film movements

2 hour paper 35% of A Level

Unit 2 – Critical Approaches – a critical study of different types of film including contemporary British and American, documentary, non-European non-English language, English language (non US) and US independent

2 hour paper 35% of A Level

Unit 3 Coursework - Making Short Film – Learners must study one compilation of short British fiction films. Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills through: the production of a 5 minute short film or 10 minute screenplay for a short film (including a digitally photographed storyboard) and an evaluative analysis of the production in relation to professionally produced set short films.

30% of A Level

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk

See Prospectus on school website for details