SUBJECT

Film Studies

Learn how you can apply
For September 2025

What are lessons like in this subject?

Film Studies is the subject for you if you are fascinated by both the analysis of ‘texts’ and the world of cinematography. You will be introduced to a wide range of styles and given the skills you need to investigate film in a whole new way. In lessons, students can expect to take part in thoughtful discussions, develop a critical approach to film and learn how to craft personal responses. Another key component of the course is the requirement to create a short film: a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their practical skills and demonstrate subject knowledge they have learnt. We are able to offer students access to industry standard equipment in the completion of this task. Students are also encouraged to attend film club to further develop their knowledge, as well as a yearly film festival, which always proves to be a thoroughly enriching experience!

What will I study?

In Year 12 and 13, you will study a range of films from a variety of backgrounds including:

Classical Hollywood and New Hollywood.
Contemporary American mainstream cinema and indie cinema.
British cinema.
Spanish cinema.
Brazilian cinema.
Documentary.
Silent cinema.
Experimental films.

You will also study the practical elements of producing a short film, learning the following skills:

Screenwriting.
Storyboarding.
Cinematography.
Set dressing.
Digital editing.
Post-production editing techniques.

What our
students
say

Film Studies has expanded my knowledge and my appreciation for film as a form of art. I’ve studied a range of highly influential films and learnt to analyse them in detail, whilst learning the necessary skills to produce a short film of my own.

Lucy Poole, St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College