SubjectsFilm Studies and Creative Media

Our Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum has been designed to ensure that all students can achieve the following across Key Stages 4 and 5;

• develop critical analytical skills using specialized terminology;

• excel academically; 

• channel their enthusiasm for the subject into a greater appreciation for film as an art form in it’s widest sense.

In addition to this our school vision, where every member of our extended family realises their God-given potential, inspired by John 10:10. Jesus said ‘I have come so you may have Life in all its fullness’  informs and shapes the curriculum in both Film Studies and Creative Media, choosing texts and tasks wherever possible which allow all learners to achieve their true potential. 

Film Studies GCSE 

By taking Film Studies at GCSE students can develop knowledge and understanding of the ways in which meanings and responses are generated through film. They will study a contrasting, culturally diverse range of films from different national contexts, as well as gaining an appreciation of film as an aesthetic medium. Learners will also gain an understanding of how films reflect the social, cultural and political contexts in which they are made, as well as the relationship between film and film technology over time.

Film Studies A-Level

By choosing Film Studies at A-Level all students can develop knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of films, including documentary, film from the silent era, experimental film and short film. In addition students learn about film and its key contexts including social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts. Students will learn a variety of critical approaches which enable them to understand how films generate meanings and responses for audiences. 

BTEC Creative Digital Media Production (Level 3)

Students develop an understanding of the media industry through analysing media representations and pitching and producing media projects. They investigate the media industry, looking at the influences of technology and audiences and how media is affected by these factors. Students also develop research skills through their investigations which then inform their own media production. Learners study how to analyse and deconstruct media representations and develop the communication and planning skills that allow ideas to be produced. 

Implementation

Film Studies GCSE

The course will introduce students to a broad range of films from around the world as well as give them a historical perspective on film. The US films they focus on, for example, will include mainstream films from the past – films produced in the 1950s and late 1970s and 80s, two distinct phases of Hollywood’s development. Through comparing these films, learners will see how genres change, how the contexts in which films are produced affect films and how elements such as cinematography and editing change and develop. More recent US film will be explored through independent productions – films produced outside the mainstream, which have allowed their filmmakers to explore less conventional topics and issues. Although many learners’ experience of cinema is likely to be dominated by US film the course offers the chance to explore film produced outside the US – in Europe, including the UK, South Africa and Australia giving learners a truly global perspective. 

Film Studies A Level

The A-Level Film Studies course introduces A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language. The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience.

Creative Digital Media BTEC

Students take four Units which they are allowed to resubmit once each if required. In Unit 1 (Media Representations) students study a range of media from different sectors in order to explore how meaning, messages and values are constructed through formal and stylistic elements. This unit will provide a foundation for understanding semiotic analysis and the ‘reading’ of media texts. This Unit is assessed by an on-line exam marked by Pearson. In Unit 4 (Pre-Production Portfolio) Learners study the requirements of planning and delivering a digital media product, carrying out essential pre-production tasks and creating a pre-production portfolio, which is assessed internally. Unit 8 (Responding to a Commission) considers the commissioning process and how media producers respond to clients by generating ideas using a range of skills; this is assessed over two days controlled assessment and marked externally. Finally Unit 10 (Film Fiction) focuses on the process of producing a short narrative film or film extract that uses generic conventions, and is assessed internally.

Curriculum Impact

The quality of teaching within the department is rated as consistently good. A consistency of approach is enabled by the relatively small department, with Eduquas approved materials providing the foundation of much of the schemes covered in both Key Stage 4 and 5. 

Assessment is used consistently in Film Studies in both GCSE and A-Level; mid and end of cycle assessments are used  to check understanding and gaps in knowledge which  then inform  teaching helping to maximise progress. In Creative Media BTEC quality assurance is achieved by external moderation which has consistently verified the accuracy of assessment and task-setting. GCSE Film Studies results have been consistently at or just above National Average, and A-Level  and BTEC Creative Media results have also been consistently strong with many going on to study further at University in Film Studies, Film Production and other Media based degrees. Indeed the Key Stage 5 courses have given students the ideal platform for further study.

Aiesha Burge

2:1 Ba Hons Film, TV & Digital Production Bath Spa University

‘I became interested in continuing with Film and Television at university because of how much I loved learning about it at All Saints. The work I did on documentary film for A-Level was invaluable for my first module at University and gave me a brilliant start to the course. I think the moment you don’t find learning something a chore, you owe it to yourself to pursue it. Thanks to Mr Wright’s lessons, I found a lesson I really connected to and could express myself with. Having such a passionate teacher helped me achieve my goals at University’

Nick Davis

First Class BA Hons Film/TV Production University Of Gloucestershire

‘During my time at All Saints Sixth Form I was offered invaluable opportunities to work with external clients to film and edit content for them, as well as create my own documentary films. The teachers were full of support and I was able to evolve my understanding of various industry practices as well as choosing the right next steps for me.’