A LEVEL
Study film and you’re opening the door to a new way of communicating. The art of storytelling, on the screen.
Film Studies takes you inside the minds of directors, each with a revolutionary story to share. And behind every terrific tale, symbolism and subtexts will have you pondering the hidden meanings, long after the film has finished.
In Film Studies you’ll unpack dozens of amazing motion pictures, deciphering the connotations in hundreds of beautifully shot sequences.
You’ll quickly build a powerful appreciation of cinema at a profound level. No film will ever be the same as you sharpen your saw in the worlds of editing, sound, and mise-en-scene – everything in the frame (such as body language, light, set design, costume and composition).
This course is about following your passion. To explore cinema of all ages and journey through the thoughts of countless directing legends.
And to emerge with a numberless range of skills – from critical thinking to an exquisite understanding of the human condition and how we create fantasy worlds, frame by frame.
Experiences that will stand you in extraordinary stead to be successful in whatever career you wish to pursue.
This course is some movie marathon. Two years to immerse yourself in Film Studies – a blockbuster experience waiting for you.
You’re about to learn that every scene in every good film creates emotion and meaning.
We’ll explore the film form – reviewing in detail mise-en-scene, cinematography (camera angles and movement, focus and many different shot sequences), editing, sound and performance.
You’ll learn the language of cinema and to examine the many cinematic tools harnessed in a long and gripping sequence by one of the world’s greatest film directors – Guillermo del Toro.
The format of this lesson is very similar to how you’ll learn as a student on the Film Studies course. Reviewing important film sequences to better understand the language of cinema. Debating the content to understand other students’ perspectives. And to be guided by your tutor, a fellow film fanatic, on the intricacies of how movies are made.
You might be considering a career in movies. The film industry is huge. Not only might you find yourself on set – but you might also be associated with the wider world of movies, as a supplier, or even a casting agent.
Interested in becoming a film critic? The best time to start honing your craft is right now – with your own blog!
Continue your journey with a Film Studies degree.
There are also many other media and television degrees. If your future is in film, you might look into Film Business degrees to better understand commercial aspects of the world you love.
Varieties of Film. You will study 6 American and British films
Global Film making Perspectives. You will study a mixture of 6 films
Creative Production. You will write, plan, direct and edit a short film. You will also study a series of short films
Six good passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above
Grade 5 from English
2 years
2 final exams plus practical coursework
Linear A-level
Eduqas
A-level Film Studies is a comprehensive study of film and the history of film, and as such we will study a range of diverse and challenging texts. After an introduction to the concept of studying film we will move on to other areas including studies of new wave cinema, World cinema, American and British film and silent European cinema. This will be assessed through a combination of essays and formal examinations. There is also the opportunity to undertake creative practical work using the media editing suite and our digital video resources. This part of the course allows you to put into practice what you have learned about film production.
Want to make your own movies – or host film nights?
We’ve got dedicated facilities here at Xaverian to help sate your creative urges. From our cine studio to a raft of high-powered Apple Macs with the latest editing software, we’re a college to be celebrated by every cinephile.
If you really want to know what it’s like to be involved in the film industry then you won’t find a better tutor than our Film Studies Curriculum Lead, Philip Drinkwater, who has recently had a film that he co-wrote premiere at the SXSW festival!
