Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
If you love film and are interested in studying a wide range of types from blockbusters to indie, foreign language films and experimental cinema, this course is for you. This creative course will encourage you to watch, analyse, discuss and write about films from different perspectives.
You will study critical approaches to films which will engage you with a range of philosophical debates around cinema from psychoanalytical to postmodernist. Following the Eduqas syllabus, you will focus on The Hollywood film history (Alien, Captain Fantastic, Vertigo) and movements (German Expressionism), along with the opportunity to study a range of critically acclaimed contemporary films such as: Memento, Promising Young Woman, Under the Skin, Little Women, Joker, and La La Land.
You will also learn about European and world cinema including Pan’s Labyrinth, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Wild Tales, and City of God. Additionally you will study documentary and experimental film such as Exit Through the Gift Shop (by Banksy), and Asif Kapadias, Amy. Alongside this you will learn to apply what you have learnt by shooting and editing tasks throughout the year.
Workshops in creative writing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing will hone your film production skills so that in the second year you will produce either a short film, or screenplay with photographed storyboard, as part of your coursework. You will have access to two fully-equipped and up-to-date editing suites, a specialist technician to support production work, and a classroom with large cine screen projection.
Every two years we run a residential trip to New York with excursions to the Museum of Moving Image, NBC studio Tours, Radio City, and a tour of Film and TV locations. On the other years we run a residential trip to the Berlin Film Festival where in addition to film museums and historical sites, you will go to screenings and Q&A sessions, and red-carpet star spotting.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
- You will need to achieve five GCSEs at grade 5 or above.
- You will also need to achieve a grade 5 or above in GCSE English language and, if you studied film studies at GCSE, a minimum of grade 5.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is through project work and written examinations. From 2017 written exams will make up 70% of the final grade whilst 30% is coursework and involves completing either a Short film or Screenplay.
Course Progression
You could study a range of degree level courses in subjects such as film making, VFX or other arts subjects or consider studying critical subjects such as English, politics or sociology. This course can also support you in your progression to a wide range of careers in the creative industries.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could support you in your progression to a wide range of careers in the creative industries, including writing about or making films.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop
