GCSE Film Studies (Level 2 Academic & Vocational Pathway)

Applications close: 30 May 2026

How to apply: Please apply via KentChoices

LATE APPLICATIONS: To apply after the closing date, please contact us directly on 01732 778897 or email tv-av@hillview.kent.sch.uk.

You may only select this course if you have chosen the Academic & Vocational Pathway.

GCSE Film Studies is designed to draw on your enthusiasm for film and introduce you to a wide variety of cinematic experiences through films which have been important in the development of film and film technology.

Production is an important part of this specification and is integral to learners' study of film and you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to your own production of a scene. The exam board prescribes the films for study, with a view to enriching and developing the cultural capital of our students and are a range of contemporary and significant historical texts, ranging from the 1950’s.

Resources are provided for you to undertake practical exercises to support your understanding of film as a medium of communication. Throughout the course you will;

Apply understanding of key elements, in a practical and imaginative way, to your own film making;

Develop your skills of critical analysis through discussion and written expression in order to analyse a wide range of films critically;

Study the creation of explicit and implicit meaning within films, looking at delivery of intent and artistic vision;

Evaluate and reflect on your own practical film making and that of others

Course delivery

The course is structured as a mix of academic film theory and practical application, throughout and students are given a range of practical filming and editing tasks in preparation for the Coursework.

Students will be able to explore the different elements of Film – how and why they are created, the impact they have on audiences, and their wider cultural relevance

Textual analysis of film forms a large part of the course and is s skill developed throughout. There is a requirement for students to develop essay responses for the exam. This skill develops students’ understanding of film language, representation, and historical contextual understanding.

Gamification is used throughout the course to quiz students’ understanding and encourage recall in preparation for exam style questions. In our curriculum there will be opportunities to re-apply core skills throughout, providing spaced practice and interleaving of skills throughout the programme of study.

Component 1: Key Developments in US Film

Component 2: Global Film: Narrative, Representation and Film Style

Component 3: Production

Component 1 - Written examination: 1 hr 30 mins (35%)

Component 2 - Written examination: 1 hr 30 mins (35%)

Component 3 - Non-exam assessment (30%)

Learners do not need any other qualifications as pre-requisites to entry

This qualification is ideal for learners intending to progress onto A Levels in Media or Film and Level 3 Vocational qualifications in Media, Digital Communications, Film or photography, at a school or college next year. It is also suitable for people who are progressing onto a level 3 apprenticeships in digital media communications and the wider digital creative industries.