A LEVEL
Film Studies
Film Studies at St Paul’s is about understanding how films are made and why they affect us.
This subject will explore what makes cinema such a powerful form of storytelling. You’ll study how directors make creative choices, how films reflect their time and place, and how every frame contributes to meaning. Alongside analysis, you’ll have the chance to create your own work and understand the craft that goes into filmmaking.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Studying Film Studies at St Paul’s opened my eyes to the craft behind every frame. With the support of my teachers, I learned to analyse film with depth, express my own creative vision, and gain the confidence to pursue my passion for storytelling.
Why Choose Film Studies at St Paul’s?
Film Studies at St Paul’s is a course for anyone curious about stories, culture, and the way moving images shape our view of the world.
- In small, discussion-based classes, you will analyse, create, and debate, developing your own distinct perspective as both a critic and storyteller.
- Our teachers bring a passion for cinema and culture, encouraging you to question, interpret, and express ideas with originality.
- You will join a collaborative community where students learn from one another and bring bold ideas to life through both theory and practice.
- Film Studies opens pathways to university courses and careers in film, media, journalism, advertising, and beyond.
- It is a subject that challenges you to look closer, think deeper, and see the world through a filmmaker’s eye.
- Ultimately, you’ll come away with a stronger appreciation for how films are made and the impact they have on audiences.
Where Film Studies Can Take You
Our Film Studies students continue their studies at university in film, media, or the creative arts. Others use their analytical and communication skills in journalism, marketing, production, or digital media. Whatever path they choose, they leave with the ability to think critically and tell stories that matter.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You will explore how films are crafted and how they shape the way we see the world. From storytelling and cinematography to sound and editing, you will uncover the techniques that give film its power and emotional depth.
In Film Studies, you will build a strong foundation in film analysis, production techniques, screenwriting, and the study of global cinema, developing both critical insight and creative skill:
Varieties of Film and Filmmaking – Study six feature-length films across Hollywood, American, and British cinema. Explore how style, genre, and context shape meaning in film.
Global Filmmaking Perspectives – Examine international cinema through global, documentary, silent, and experimental films, developing an understanding of diverse filmmaking traditions.
Production – Create either a short film or a screenplay with storyboard, supported by an evaluative analysis of your creative and technical decisions.
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official Eduqas specification.
Along the way you will refine your ability to interpret, analyse, and create, developing a deep understanding of how film communicates ideas and emotions. These skills open pathways to a wide range of university courses and careers in film, media, and the wider creative industries.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Film Studies Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For Film Studies, you’ll need:
- Grade 4+ in English Language
- Grade 4+ in English Literature
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
Maths at St Paul’s really boosted my confidence. The teachers never let you struggle alone, they always explained things in different ways until it clicked. Because of that support, I achieved more than I thought I could and now I’m planning to study Engineering at university. It’s opened so many doors for me.
In lower school the larger class size made me rarely feel like I was fully challenged to improve my mathematical abilities. However, the small classes at A-Level in St Paul’s has boosted my confidence a lot, as the teachers get to know you well and are always there to support you. Maths is also a great asset to have for university applications.
Maths is an awesome subject. I enjoy the challenging aspect of problem solving and greatly appreciate the support that the Maths department at St Paul’s is always happy and ready to give.
Mr M Bullock
SUBJECT LEADER FOR MEDIA
Thank you for your interest in Film Studies at A Level. We have a dedicated team of specialists at St Paul’s who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
If you have any questions about the course or where it might lead, please do get in touch, we’re always happy to chat about your ideas and ambitions.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to explore the art of cinema, analyse powerful stories, and create films that captivate and inspire audiences?
Start your Film Studies journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
Film StudiesCourse Content
See what you will be studying in Film Studies A Level, a comprehensive guide into the topics you will learn and the assessments you will take over the course of your studies.
| COMPONENT 1Varieties of film and filmmaking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
35% (120 marks) |
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LENGTH |
2.5 Hours |
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FORMAT |
Written Exam |
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This component assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films.
- Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two Hollywood films, one from the
Classical Hollywood period (1930-1960) and the other from the New Hollywood period
(1961-1990). - Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream
film and one contemporary independent film. - Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two British films.
| COMPONENT 2 Global filmmaking perspectives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
35% (100 marks) |
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LENGTH |
2.5 Hours |
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This component assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films (or their
equivalent).
- Section A: Global film (two-film study)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two global films: one European and one
produced outside Europe. - Section B: Documentary film
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one documentary film. - Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one silent film or group of films. - Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)
One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one film option.
| COMPONENT 3 Production | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
30% (60 marks) |
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FORMAT |
(NEA) |
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This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Learners produce:
- either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) plus a
digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay - an evaluative analysis (1600 – 1800 words).
