Course outline Many consider film to be the main cultural innovation of the twentieth century and a major art form of the last one hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective and critical. Film studies consequently makes an important contribution to the Sixth Form curriculum, offering the opportunity to investigate how film works both as a powerful medium of representation and as an aesthetic medium. The subject develops students’ critical thinking and is an academic pursuit, recognised by higher education institutions. Lesson structure and expectations In year 12, students begin by learning about Classical and New Hollywood, as well as silent cinema, with films ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s. We then go on to study more modern films, including American mainstream cinema and independent film. There is a requirement to study British film and also global films: these come from Europe and beyond, and we study these in year 13, along with experimental film and the fascinating area of documentary filmmaking. In year 13, students also complete their Unit 3 coursework – an original screenplay, storyboard and reflective analysis. This comprises 30% of the A Level qualification. There is no practical element to the course, and highly competent written skills are required. Please be aware that there will be 18 certificate films screened in part or in full where appropriate on the course. This will be done with due warning of the issues that the film addresses and in line with the guidance given by the exam board and the British Board of Film Classification. Course requirements A grade 5 in English language. A Grade 5 in English literature. or a grade 5 in GCSE Film. Next steps Film is an excellent complement to English literature, English language and literature or drama and theatre studies and for anyone considering a future in arts or the media. British cinema is receiving considerable support from the government at the moment and is likely to remain a growth industry for some time. Film is also a popular area for academic study in many disciplines. Students often also combine A level study of film with other arts, languages and humanities subjects but, in reality, film complements any other subject and many of our students take an eclectic mix! Many have pursued degrees in film, creative writing and journalism, and several have gone on to successful careers in the industry.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2NU |
Course outline Many consider film to be the main cultural innovation of the twentieth century and a major art form of the last one hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective and critical. Film studies consequently makes an important contribution to the Sixth Form curriculum, offering the opportunity to investigate how film works both as a powerful medium of representation and as an aesthetic medium. The subject develops students’ critical thinking and is an academic pursuit, recognised by higher education institutions. Lesson structure and expectations In year 12, students begin by learning about Classical and New Hollywood, as well as silent cinema, with films ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s. We then go on to study more modern films, including American mainstream cinema and independent film. There is a requirement to study British film and also global films: these come from Europe and beyond, and we study these in year 13, along with experimental film and the fascinating area of documentary filmmaking. In year 13, students also complete their Unit 3 coursework – an original screenplay, storyboard and reflective analysis. This comprises 30% of the A Level qualification. There is no practical element to the course, and highly competent written skills are required. Please be aware that there will be 18 certificate films screened in part or in full where appropriate on the course. This will be done with due warning of the issues that the film addresses and in line with the guidance given by the exam board and the British Board of Film Classification. Course requirements A grade 5 in English language. A Grade 5 in English literature. or a grade 5 in GCSE Film. Next steps Film is an excellent complement to English literature, English language and literature or drama and theatre studies and for anyone considering a future in arts or the media. British cinema is receiving considerable support from the government at the moment and is likely to remain a growth industry for some time. Film is also a popular area for academic study in many disciplines. Students often also combine A level study of film with other arts, languages and humanities subjects but, in reality, film complements any other subject and many of our students take an eclectic mix! Many have pursued degrees in film, creative writing and journalism, and several have gone on to successful careers in the industry.