Our Film Studies curriculum is designed to develop students’ understanding of film as a powerful medium of storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural commentary. We aim to foster critical thinking, visual literacy, and creative confidence through the study and creation of film.

We offer an inclusive and engaging curriculum that encourages all students to explore how films are constructed, how they communicate meaning, and how they reflect and shape society. Through analysis and practical filmmaking, students learn to appreciate film as both an art form and a cultural product.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will be able to:

• Analyse film language, narrative, and representation with insight and precision
• Understand the social, historical, and cultural contexts of a range of films
• Evaluate the impact of cinematography, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène
• Create their own short films or screenplays using industry-relevant techniques
• Reflect critically on their own work and the work of others

Our intent is to empower students with the analytical and creative skills to thrive in further study, the creative industries, and a media-rich world.

Curriculum overview

Key Stage 4

Students follow the Eduqas/WJEC GCSE Film Studies specification, which combines analytical study with creative production. The course includes:

Component 1: Key developments in US film

• Study of one mainstream and one independent US film
• Exploration of film form, genre, and context

Component 2: Global film

• Study of one global English-language film, one non-English-language film, and one contemporary UK film
• Focus on representation, narrative, and aesthetics

Component 3: Production

• Practical coursework: either a filmed sequence or a screenplay with storyboard
• Accompanied by an evaluative analysis of the creative process

Assessment includes two written exams and one non-examined assessment (coursework).

Courses offered

• GCSE Film Studies (Eduqas/WJEC)

Enrichment opportunities

We offer a range of enrichment activities to deepen students’ engagement with film and support their creative development. These include:

• Film Club: weekly screenings and discussions of classic, independent, and international films
• Practical workshops: hands-on sessions in screenwriting, cinematography, and editing
• Film festivals and competitions: opportunities to submit student work to local and national festivals
• Industry insights: talks from filmmakers, critics, and media professionals
• Cinema visits: trips to independent cinemas and special screenings to experience film in its intended setting

These experiences help students develop a critical eye, a creative voice, and a deeper appreciation of film as a cultural and artistic form.